The definition of the NANOMETER as a selection criterion for TOP NANO 21 projects frequently leads to debate. The explanations that follow are intended to provide assistance with this question. "NANOMETER relevance" is defined conclusively in project-specific terms by the group of experts in TOP NANO 21. In the open 3-D area of TOP NANO 21 (discoveries, technology and application) sufficient space should be available and remain available for the new and the unusual.
Some criteria for the nano-aspect
| 1. | Material
Since all materials are composed of atoms, molecules and other nm-sized particles, one of the following criteria should come to the fore in a significant way for the nano-aspect of a material: |
| a. | Accurate control or choice of processes, growth, distribution etc. on the nm scale. |
| b. | (Lateral) precision required on the nm scale (in contrast to inorganic thin-film growth). |
| c. | Central significance for the production of macro, micro, and nano-components and systems. |
| d. | nm studies essential for characterization and improvement. |
| e. | The use of nano-particles should lead to new material characteristics that cannot be produced by other means. |
| f. | "Self organization" forms an important element of the new functions and characteristics. This expression must not serve for all manner of crystal growth. |
| 2. | Chemistry
Similar criteria to those listed under material. |
| 3. | Methods
There are many possibilities for new methods, especially local probe methods, including implementing them in terms of functionality. In the context of TOP NANO 21, new instrumentation and techniques should promise an important industrial applicability, or in special cases at least a development in the breadth of scientific knowledge. |
| 4. | Components
nm dimensions or precision are required. Precision in measurement - e.g. cantilever deflection - should generally (in the scientific field) lie in the range nm - 10 pm or nN - pN, and 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher in the field of industrial applications. |
| 5. | Systems
The nano-aspect should generally surpass a micro piggyback electronic system (standard microelectronics with a microtechnology component). |
| 6. | Aspects which should be considered which will support a negative evaluation |
| a. | Things are done in the same way as previously and simply dressed in nano-clothing rather than incorporating new nano-aspects. |
| b. | The smooth transition from micro to nano tempts one into an ill-advised extension of the nano-aspect into the micro field. |
| c. | A comparison of proposals for projects and results in Minast, NFP 36, Macromolecular chemistry, SPP materials etc. must not be allowed to lead to a "me-too" attitude or to an ongoing continuation of an old approach. |
| d. | In the event of "huge impact" etc. we expect a research team to have more than an ancillary involvement from 1 PhD student or doctor of engineering. If "enormous benefits" are only discovered when the means to fund a research program become available, this has the effect of stretching credibility. |
| e. | It is not possible under TOP NANO 21 to consider allocating significant funds for building, developing or maintaining infrastructure or for supporting the continuation of groups from earlier programs. |