Nanotechnology implies the understanding and the manufacture of small "nanoscopic" particles and components with dimensions below one micrometer. On this scale, materials often reveal new and interesting properties.

The specific technologies developed at CSEM aim at understanding these new phenomena and controlling nanoscale properties, so that they result in applications. The technology platform Nanotechnology and Life Sciences deals in particular with:

• micro-optical components and nanoscale photonics for applications in lasers, spectrometers, or plasmonic enhancements
• nanoscale structuring of surfaces and functional materials for improved optical and chemical surface properties, nanoporous membranes, and security features
• micro- and nanoscale components for biological applications, such as cell studies for nanotoxicology testing, improved implants, and advanced research
• nanoscale tools that allow new approaches in biological research for selective manipulation of single cells, and cell-array based assays in pharmacology
• advanced technologies and innovative applications of biosensing for integrated and wearable sensing, such as in textiles, in food quality, diagnostics, and health

Nanotechnology is a typical platform technology, and contributes to innovative solutions in many more areas than those listed here.

The interdisciplinary approach allows the development of technologically demanding solutions for applications, e.g. in the field of Life Sciences. Constant interaction of specialists from physics and engineering with their colleagues from chemistry and biology, as well as the in-house chemistry and biology laboratories, guarantee the best possible environment for complex developments all the way to final characterization and testing.