Agilent Technologies Presents Europhysics Prize for Pioneering Work with Carbon Nanotubes.News Editors/High-Tech & Science Writers BRIGHTON, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2002 Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today presented the Agilent Technologies Europhysics Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Condensed Matter Physics to four scientists for their pioneering work in the study of carbon nanotubes. The award was presented at a general conference of the European Physical Society (EPS). Agilent's Roberto Favaretto, vice president and general manager, Europe/Middle East/Africa, presented the 2001 award to Sumio Iijima, Cees Dekker, Thomas Dekker, Thomas, c,1570–1632, English dramatist and pamphleteer. Little is known of his life except that he frequently suffered from poverty and served several prison terms for debt. He began his literary career c.1598 working for Philip Henslowe. During this period he wrote his most famous play, The Shoemaker's Holiday (1600), a delightful domestic comedy concerning the success of Simon Eyre, a master shoemaker who becomes the lord mayor of London. W. Ebbesen and Paul L. McEuen for the discovery of multi- and single-walled carbon nanotubes and pioneering studies of their fundamental mechanical and electronic properties. "The Agilent Technologies Europhysics Prize demonstrates our commitment to fundamental contributions in scientific areas essential to Agilent's future," said Favaretto. "These researchers have made a key contribution by creating an entirely new field in condensed matter physics -- a field at the intersection of nanoscience, nanotechnology and molecular electronics Biological-based electronics. Developing circuits that are "grown" may seem far fetched, but research shows that a "biocomputer" might be possible in 25 years. From living plants, researchers have isolated "photosynthetic reaction centers" (PRCs). These microminiature photovoltaic systems change their state when exposed to light, and the states can be measured. In 2001, German scientists grew a network of neurons (brain cells) from a snail onto a semiconductor chip.." Since 1975, the award has been given to leading scientists in nearly every internationally important area of condensed matter physics. The award is one of the most prestigious prizes given by the EPS. In the past, eight recipients have gone on to win the Nobel Prize in physics or chemistry. Agilent has taken over the tradition from Hewlett-Packard Company of funding the prize by annual donations to the EPS. The Agilent Technologies Europhysics prize includes a cash award of 51,000 Swiss Francs and is given in recognition of scientific excellence in basic or applied research in the physics of solids and liquids, with particular emphasis on recent work that leads to advances in the fields of electronic, electrical and materials engineering. A committee appointed by the EPS, which includes Jim Hollenhorst, the director of the Electronic Research Laboratory at Agilent Laboratories, selects the recipient. The history of this year's award dates back to 1991, when Dr. Sumio Iijima discovered carbon nanotubes, cylindrical molecules with a diameter as small as a nanometer and a length up to many microns. Two years later, Dr. Iijima and T. Ichibashi succeeded in synthesizing single wall nanotubes. Since then, nanotubes have been found to possess remarkable physical properties that offer amazing possibilities in the creation of future nanoelectronics devices, circuits and computers. In 1996, Thomas Ebbesen and co-workers produced larger quantities of purified nanotubes and demonstrated that they are the stiffest known material with great potential for reinforced composites and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS NEMS - Nano Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS, nanoscience, nanoengineering) NEMS - NASA Equipment Management System NEMS - National Emergency Management System NEMS - National Energy Modeling System (DOE, EIA) NEMS - Network Element Management Server NEMS - Network Element Management System (Sprint) NEMS - Nimbus-E Microwave Spectrometer). In 1997, the groups led by Cees Dekker and Paul McEuen reported equally remarkable electrical properties; namely, that nanotubes are one-dimensional conductors with either conducting or semiconducting properties, depending on their atomic structure. Both groups later demonstrated novel devices, including the first single-molecule nanotube transistors and molecular diodes, which have potential application in nanoelectronics. Agilent Technologies' philanthropy programs, which funded the award, sponsor equipment grants and inquiry into research and technologies that address Agilent's strategic focus in the areas of telecommunications and life sciences. Information about the philanthropy programs is available on the Web at www.agilent.com/univ_relation and www.agilent.com/philanthropy. About Agilent Laboratories Agilent Laboratories, formerly part of Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, is one of the leading technological research centers in the world. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., Agilent Labs draws on the talents of more than 400 researchers and support staff. The Labs conduct applied research in communications, electronics, the life sciences, and measurement; fundamental research in bioscience, fiber optics, materials, microelectronics, optoelectronics, and micromechanical systems; and basic research. Agilent Labs is focused on driving growth and profit for the company's businesses through technology innovation. Information about Agilent Laboratories is available on the Web at www.labs.agilent.com. About Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics and life sciences. The company's 39,000 employees serve customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $8.4 billion in fiscal year 2001. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com. |
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