After successful completion of the course, students are able to identify nanostructures, to describe the micro- and nano fabrication, to list their applications, to summarise the research fields nano tribology and nano mechanics as well as to justify the applications of monomolecular films.
This lecture gives a basic introduction to the field of nanotechnology. We will deal with nanostructures, micro- and nanofabrication, micro- and nanodevices, scanning probe microscopy (with demonstrations), nanotribology and nanomechanics, monomolecular films, industrial applications as well as social and ethical implications.
I will try, if the situation allows it, to offer some excursions and expeditions in the open air. I am thinking here of the Botanical Garden at the Belvedere, the House of the Sea, and the Butterfly House as well as the Tropical House at Schönbrunn. There we can directly look at wonderful inspiring organisms, sometimes also with portable microscopes, which have nanotechnological relevance. e.g. Lotus leaves with lotus effect (self-cleaning, controlled water run-off, hydrophobic surfaces), structural colors in plants and animals (based on micro- and nanostructures, material-decoupled 'physical' colors as opposed to pigment-based colors) and aero- and hydrodynamically optimized organisms (penguins, box fish, bats) with functional surfaces partly based on nanostructures.
