NRC - Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences (SIMS)

The Fundamentals of Innovation...

NRC-SIMS conducts cutting-edge research in selected areas of molecular sciences that have the potential to stimulate entirely new or emerging sectors of the Canadian economy. Strategic molecular sciences research fields for NRC-SIMS include: nanoscience, chemical biology, laser science, molecular interfaces, organometallic chemistry, and their related technologies.

Recent Successes

Tiny storage medium - major industry impact
Despite their tiny size, or perhaps because of it, unique structures called nanotubes are already being explored for commercial applications, such as video displays. A new NRC-SIMS research program is focusing on characterizing, modifying and producing nanotubes on a large scale. One project is already looking at the potential of carbon nanotubes as a hydrogen storage medium for future fuel cell applications.

Making molecules measure themselves
Breakthroughs by NRC-SIMS researchers have demonstrated the possibility of having a molecule measure its own structure. In this ultra-fast phenomenon research, using attosecond electrons for molecular probing, an electron is pulled from the molecule by a strong field, only to be driven back when the field reverses its direction where it diffracts from the parent ion. Since diffraction occurs within about one femtosecond (one-quadrillionth of a second), the structure of the neutral molecule can be imaged. This has great potential for structure determination of non-crystalline molecules, particularly large biomolecules.

Unique nanotechnology research facility on the way
NRC initiated a $1.4 million project to design and construct a new neutron reflectometer facility at its Canadian Neutron Beam Laboratory in Chalk River. Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2003, the facility will support nanoscale structure analysis in partnership with universities. The facility will not only generate new knowledge, but also focus on the development of innovative products for the emerging nanotechnology industry.

Neutron holography breakthrough - new avenues for materials studies
The combined efforts of NRC-SIMS and Atomic Energy Canada Limited staff at the Chalk River laboratory in atomic-resolution holography resulted in new developments in the use of neutrons for the study of materials.