Since its establishment in 2006, the Molecular Foundry at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has been a hub for thousands of researchers to delve into materials at the atomic level, leading to groundbreaking discoveries with widespread implications. As a national user facility, the Foundry promotes collaboration and offers access to cutting-edge tools and expertise that have influenced advancements well beyond the nanoscale in various scientific fields. From sustainable plastics to cutting-edge electronics, here are six ways the Molecular Foundry and its user community have spurred innovations impacting everyday life.

A World-Leading Microscope Driving Innovations

The creation of the Transmission Electron Aberration-corrected Microscope (TEAM) at the Molecular Foundry's National Center for Electron Microscopy has revolutionized atomic resolution imaging. This technology allows scientists to observe individual atoms in real time and in 3D, leading to advancements in drug discovery, computer-chip technology, and more.

The fast detector technology developed for the TEAM project has also been crucial for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, a technique that has accelerated drug discovery by visualizing proteins and viruses in detail.

Designing Quantum Technologies Building Blocks

Researchers at the Molecular Foundry are combining computer modeling with atomic-scale fabrication to engineer quantum defects for next-generation computing and telecommunications. They have made significant progress in understanding and addressing decoherence issues in quantum computers, paving the way for more stable devices.

Recent discoveries include the ability of 2D materials to share electronic signals and the observation of energy packets in atomically thin materials, both of which have implications for quantum information technologies.

Automated Nanoparticle Creation

The development of robots like WANDA and HERMAN at the Molecular Foundry has revolutionized the creation of nanomaterials, allowing for faster experimentation and discovery. These robots have led to advancements in brain imaging, disease detection, and microscope technology.

Revolutionizing Device Displays with Quantum Dots

Scientists at the Foundry are exploring the potential of quantum dots in device displays and medical imaging tools. Upconverting nanoparticles and avalanching nanoparticles have opened up new possibilities in medical imaging, solar energy, and nanoscale sensors.

Infinitely Recyclable Plastic Invention

The discovery of poly(diketoenamine) or PDK at the Molecular Foundry has led to the creation of a plastic that can be recycled indefinitely, reducing plastic waste. Collaborations with Berkeley Lab scientists to produce PDK components from plant sugars have promising applications in various industries.

Engineering Custom Materials with Synthetic Proteins

Researchers at the Foundry have developed peptoids, protein-like molecules that can be customized to build specific materials. These peptoids have potential applications in medicine, pathogen detection, organ preservation, catalyst development, and more.

These accomplishments are just a glimpse of the impact of Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry in driving scientific advancements over the past two decades. By providing researchers with cutting-edge tools and expertise, the Foundry has facilitated breakthroughs that transcend disciplines and address global challenges.