The Strata 400 will be utilised in BASF laboratories, along with previously installed FEI Tecnai transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) for a wide range of R+D projects
FEI reports that BASF, the world's leading chemical company, has ordered one of FEI's top-of-the- line dualbeam systems, the Strata 400.
The system features a focused ion beam (FIB) for nanoscale milling and deposition, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for ultra-high resolution imaging below 100nm.
The Strata will be utilised in BASF laboratories, along with previously installed FEI Tecnai transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) for a wide range of R+D projects.
These projects range, among others, from the study and establishment of processes for the reliable detection, monitoring and characterisation of nanoparticles as part of a European Union research project named "NanoSafe," to the development of nanostructured coatings aimed at preventing algae and mollusks from colonizing on ships hulls, to the development of products that can reduce the emission of CO2 gases from power generating stations.
Underscoring BASF's commitment to nanotechnology R+D, Stefan Marcinowski, BASF's research executive director announced earlier this year that the company was expanding its worldwide research operations and R+D expenditures to 1.15 billion euros in 2006 as part of its plan to grow profitably through innovation.
Of BASF's total R+D investment, approximately two-thirds involve nanoscale applications and development.
"We are very excited about the interest and investment in nanotechnology being expressed by private industry around the globe," said Matt Harris, vice president of worldwide marketing for FEI.
"We are seeing significant companies making considerable investments in tools and applications that enable nanoscale exploration and development, with the goal of improving and expanding their product portfolios and maintaining their competitive edge".
Globally, government spending on nanotechnology development is projected to reach approximately US$5billion in 2006, while private investment by various industry sectors is expected to rise to nearly $6billion in the same period.
