GRENOBLE, FRANCE - The European Commission (EC) has launched a new project within its 6th Framework Programme that will contribute to the coordination of research in photonics and nanotechnologies. The MONA project (Merging Optics and Nanotechnologies) will coordinate FP-6 R&D programs with relevant industries and with regional and national research programs inside and outside Europe. The project has three principal objectives:
- Create a common site for the exchange of information concerning research, networks of excellence, and integrated projects in photonics and nanotechnologies.
- Promote the timely exchange of scientific results, market development, and technology needs through MONA-developed workshops.
- Develop a European roadmap for photonics and nanotechnologies.
The MONA project is also intended to foster collaborations between photonics and nanotechnologies stakeholders. A major outcome of MONA will be a consolidated scenario (time horizon 5-10 years), setting out development and technology road maps.
Six European countries and regions are involved in the execution of MONA, under the leadership of the CEA-LETI, with input from several industry and research groups, including Acreo, AIXTRON, Alcatel-Thales, ASMI, the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), INTEC, OpticsValley, Schott, VDI Technologiezentrum (VDI TZ), and Yole Développement.