The Chemnitz branch of the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM has become an independent Fraunhofer institute as of 1st July 2008. Prof. Thomas Gessner, Head of the new Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nanosystems ENAS, thanked Prof. Herbert Reichl, Head of Fraunhofer IZM, for his support in developing the Chemnitz site.

"The Chemnitz branch has seen consistent positive development over the years. In 1998, the potential of microsystem technology and promising market prognoses led to the establishment of the Fraunhofer IZM department Micro Devices and Equipment in Chemnitz with Prof. Gessner as its Head. The site has experienced particularly strong growth since 2006, when the decision was taken to further develop the branch. One important factor in the Chemnitz branchs success has been its close cooperation with the Technischen Universitt Chemnitz, particularly with the Center for Microtechnologies (ZfM), which was developed and continues to be led by Prof. Gessner. In cooperation with the ZfM, micro- and nanoelectronics, microsystem technology and micro- and nanotechnologies are researched, with a strong emphasis on their implementation in applications and the requirements of industry. Prof. Reichl explains.

We will continue our work in existing fields of research, that is micro- and nanosystems, smart systems integration, reliability and back end of line for micro- and nanoelectronics, as well as 3D integration, and, as is clear from our institutes name, the nano-world will be a key focus. Of course, we will continue our existing cooperative projects and add new ones. Prof. Gessner continues.

The core competencies of Fraunhofer ENAS are the development of micro- and nanosystems and include design, technology and characterization.

Micro- and nanosystem topics, in particular, nano-assembly and interconnection technology, will continue to be developed in the close cooperation with Fraunhofer IZM Berlin. Cooperative areas will range from up-and-coming developments (Carbon Nano Tubes CNT, nano lawn) through to technological cooperation. A joint project on 3D integration with the Fraunhofer IZM branches in Munich and Berlin is also in progress.