Carl Zeiss Invests in 3-D Nanostructuring Startup Nanoscribe

Carl Zeiss has acquired a stake in Nanoscribe (Karlsruhe, Germany), a startup that recently fielded its laser direct-write tool for 3-D nanostructuring. 3-D laser lithography is applied in developing prototypes of micro and nanophotonic devices, among other applications.

Staff -- Semiconductor International, 10/1/2008 9:32:00 AM

Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen, Germany) has acquired a ~40% stake in startup Nanoscribe GmbH (Karlsruhe, Germany), a developer of laser direct-write tools for 3-D nanostructuring.

Nanoscribe develops and produces rapid prototyping laser lithography systems for the manufacture of 3-D micro and nanostructures in photoresist. 3-D laser lithography is applied in micro and nanophotonics, life sciences, biotechnology and microfluidics. Nanoscribe was founded in December 2007 by scientists affiliated with Professor Martin Wegener at the Institute for Applied Physics at the University of Karlsruhe and the Karlsruhe Research Center.

Nanoscribe laser direct-write tool for 3-D nanostructuring.

Carl Zeiss has worked with Nanoscribe to help deliver the startup’s first system, which came at the end of June. Wegener received the Carl Zeiss Research Award in 2006. Michael Kaschke, a member of the executive board at Zeiss, said the investment ensures Zeiss’s involvement in the company. “Carl Zeiss is going down a new road by supporting young researchers and entrepreneurs at an early stage, not only financially but also with our knowledge and corresponding technology,” he said.

Martin Hermatschweiler, a Nanoscribe executive director, said, “Nanoscribe has the potential to open up new fields of application in optical technologies. The partnership with Carl Zeiss is a milestone along the way.”