Nanovation

60: Michael Filler - That's all folks Dec 01, 2020

Nanovation comes to an end. In a fitting farewell, Charlie Bennett returns to interview Mike. They talk about what Mike originally set out to do, what worked, what didn't work, what surprised him along the way, and what may be on the horizon. Thank you to the show’s listeners for their curiosity and kindness. Thank you to the show’s guests for their selflessness and passion for science and engineering. And a special thank you to the show’s editor, Andrew Cannon, without whom the podcast would not have been possible. Until next time …
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Charlie Bennett (@bennettradio) and Michael Filler
• Recorded on October 26, 2020
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/60
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

59: Ruud van Ommen - How do you do the impossible? Apr 21, 2020

The ability to coat large quantities of small particles — powders — via atomic layer deposition (ALD) has opened new vistas for battery materials, chemical catalysis, 3-D printing, and more. On this episode of the Nanovation podcast, Ruud van Ommen from TU Delft talks everything powder ALD. In this context, Ruud and Mike focus on the why and how of process scale-up. Listeners of the show won’t be surprised to learn that there’s much more to scale-up than increasing the size of the tank! Ruud also shares the motivation behind founding the company Delft IMP and how, in the early days, he was told that powder ALD was impossible.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on January 23, 2020
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/59
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

58: Malancha Gupta - How do you put a coating on a liquid? Mar 06, 2020

Malancha Gupta from the University of Southern California gives a primer on initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). iCVD is a relatively new processing technique for the deposition of functional polymer thin films. Because polymer properties are readily tunable, iCVD can impart a nearly limitless number of surface functionalities. Perhaps most importantly, the mild nature of iCVD makes it compatible with delicate substrates such as paper, cells, and even liquids! In addition to talking shop, Malancha recounts her journey from curious undergrad to professor. She also shares several of the life hacks that helped her along the way.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on January 16, 2020
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/58
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

57: Sang Han - How can a roof stay cool in the New Mexico sun? Jan 25, 2020

Sang Han from the University of New Mexico has spent his career developing advanced electronic and photonic materials. In this episode of the Nanovation podcast, Sang and Mike discuss radiative cooling technology, which promises to cool surfaces, such as the exteriors of homes and buildings, even in direct sunlight. They talk about the physics of radiative cooling, different methods for its implementation, and the challenge of developing a manufacturing process suitable for coating entire cities. A potpourri of related topics come up along the way, including the ups and downs of global technology competition, how to incentivize innovation in manufacturing, and the excitement and challenge of starting a company.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on December 19, 2019
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/57
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

56: Nazanin Bassiri-Gharb - Is our technology future paved with complex oxides? Dec 17, 2019

Nazanin Bassiri-Gharb, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, joins Mike to talk about complex oxides. Complex oxides are multi-component materials that yield a bevy of exotic properties. Much of the podcast centers on ferroelectricity, the ability of certain materials to exhibit an internal polarization that can be switched with an external electric field. Nazanin and Mike talk about the current use of ferroelectrics in technologies from ultrasound imaging to data storage, as well as their potential future use in brain-like or neuromorphic computers. Throughout the episode, Nazanin's love of and excitement for science and engineering shines through. Be careful, it's infectious!
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on November 14, 2019
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/56
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

55: Michael Filler - An electronic circuit on every seed? Nov 26, 2019

What if every seed you planted could include a sensor to monitor moisture and nutrients? What if every tissue had nanoscale electronics to check for viruses when you blew your nose? In this bonus episode from the Sustainable Nano podcast (an outstanding production of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison), Mike talks with host Miriam Krause about his lab's push toward ‘hyper-scalable’ electronics and what technologies might be enabled by such a manufacturing capability.
Show details:
• Hosted/edited by Miriam Krause (@mirk47)
• Sustainable Nano episode: https://sustainablenano.simplecast.com/episodes/mikefiller
• Recorded on March 21, 2019
• Edited for Nanovation by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Additional show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/55
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

54: Andrew Hunt - How do you start a nanotech company? Nov 11, 2019

If you’ve ever thought about starting a nanotech company, this is the episode for you! Andrew Hunt tells the story of Engi-Mat (formerly nGimat), the nanomaterials company he founded in 1993. Andrew and Mike discuss Engi-Mat’s core manufacturing technology, what motivated Andrew to start the company, the pros and cons of the U.S. patent system, and how the nanotechnology landscape has changed in the past two and half decades. Andrew has seen it all: from the early optimism to the stock market drops that sunk many of his rivals to the increasing prevalence of nanomaterials in everyday life. He has a lot of teach us.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on October 28, 2019
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/54
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

53: John Hart - Why isn't there a Home Depot for nanomaterials? (R) Oct 13, 2019

What do you get when you combine politics and nanotechnology? NanoBama, a carbon nanotube based picture of the 44th President of the United States. John Hart, the leader of the Mechanosynthesis Group at MIT, joins the podcast to talk about his love of nanomanufacturing and science communication. We talk about the challenge of developing “code” for nanomanufacturing processes and how nanomanufacturing is in a (sometimes frustrating) adolescent phase. John also shares his experience preparing for and presenting a TEDx talk.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on June 17, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/53
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

52: Bob Sutor - Where can you test drive a quantum computer? Sep 12, 2019

Bob Sutor, the Vice President of IBM Q Strategy and Ecosystem, talks about IBM's unique approach to quantum computing. With the IBM Q Experience, they allow anyone on the Internet to access and program a quantum computer. Bob and Mike also discuss how to build a quantum computer, when quantum computers might be better than classical computers, where nanotechnology plays a role, and what we can expect further in the future. Bob is very clear about two things: quantum computers are coming and you should take one out for a spin.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on July 11, 2019
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/52
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

51: Matthew Realff - Why do we overlook process innovation? Aug 13, 2019

The modern story of technological innovation is usually told as a story of scientific discovery followed by translation and commercialization. What if there is a broad class of technological innovations that do not follow this narrative? What if, despite being frequently overlooked or misunderstood, these innovations have revolutionized society in domains as diverse as materials, energy, electronics, and healthcare? On this episode of the Nanovation podcast, Matthew Realff returns to the show to talk with Mike about ‘fundamental process innovations’ -- technological innovations that emerge from rethinking the strategy by which a series of manufacturing steps are organized and executed. They discuss why process innovation often goes unrecognized, present a framework to understand it, explain how new areas of science emerge from it, and offer suggestions for nurturing it in the future. (Recorded on June 13, 2019. Edited by Andrew Cannon)
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on June 13, 2019
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/51
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

50: Daniel Whiteson - Sorry folks, we used up all the science Jul 10, 2019

Daniel Whiteson, a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UC Irvine, is the guest on this fun, free-wheeling 50th episode of the Nanovation podcast. Daniel talks about the connection between Lego and particle physics, how a cell phone can detect high energy particles physicists don't think should exist, and the role of nanotechnology in the discovery of the Higgs Boson. Be sure not to miss Daniel’s outreach and communication efforts, especially those in collaboration with his friend and colleague, Jorge Cham. These include the podcast "Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe," the book "We Have No Idea: A Guide to the Known Universe," and a kids television show launching in 2020 on PBS called "Elinor Wonders Why."
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on June 6, 2019
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/50
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

49: Kate Plass - Shake and bake May 28, 2019

Kate Plass is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Franklin and Marshall College where her lab specializes in the synthesis of nanoparticles, especially those with unique near-infrared optical properties. On this episode of Nanovation, Kate not only discusses her lab’s research but also talks about life at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) like Franklin and Marshall. She explains the basics of PUIs, how they view the world and their place in it, and what opportunities they offer students and faculty relative to more research intensive institutions. Kate and Mike also muse on the importance of stupidity in scientific research and Kate talks about her mentors, hobbies, and tattoos in the lightning round.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on January 31, 2019
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/49
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

48: Josh Caldwell - Bend light the wrong way Apr 16, 2019

Josh Caldwell from Vanderbilt University, and formerly the United States Naval Research Laboratory, talks about his pioneering work in infrared polaritonics. Polaritons are quasiparticles that couple photons to the motion of electrons or atoms in a material, and allow you to squeeze and manipulate light in nanoscale volumes. In the infrared, this capability may one day allow, for example, the roof of your home to cool even when in direct sunlight. Josh and Mike get a little 'in the weeds,' but that's what podcasts are for! Be sure not to miss the great career advice Josh sprinkles in along the way.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on January 24, 2019
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/48
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

47: Greg Parsons - Knife fight Mar 14, 2019

Greg Parsons from North Carolina State University is the guest on this episode of the Nanovation podcast. Greg is an expert on atomic layer deposition (ALD), the process by which thin films or coatings are deposited atomic layer by atomic layer. Or, as Greg explains, almost. We discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of ALD. While Greg has explored the use of ALD in a variety of applications, his pioneering work in the area of textiles stands out. Greg's scientific talks are filled with great stories, and this discussion is no different. You’ll hear stories of scientific discovery and also gain insight into Greg’s philosophy for research and life. Be sure to listen to the end to hear Greg participate in the inaugural Nanovation "lightning round."
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on December 6, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/47
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

46: Insplorion - Collective oscillations Feb 14, 2019

Patrik Dalqvist and Elin Langhammer are the CEO and Founder/Technical Director, respectively, of Insplorion AB, a Sweden-based company working to commercialize nanoplasmonic sensing for the environmental monitoring and automotive markets. They joined Mike to talk about the company's birth, the science behind their nanoplasmonic sensor technology, their early attempts to achieve product-market fit, and how their technology promises to dramatically improve the performance and lifetime of batteries in electric vehicles.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on November 21, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/46
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

45: Fred Rascoe - Coalition Smarty-Pants Jan 13, 2019

Fred Rascoe from the Georgia Tech Library returns to the show to talk about the changing roles of libraries and scholarly publishing in the 21st century. Fred and Mike discuss why scholarly publishing has been so resistant to, really insulated from, change in the Internet era. They bat around ideas for business models that do not involve universities, companies, or the public paying for expensive journal subscriptions. Mike also makes the argument that peer review is not all it’s cracked up to be and Fred puts him in the hot seat, asking about his own publishing practices.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on September 13, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/45
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

44: North Avenue Lounge - Nanovation in practice Dec 23, 2018

On this special episode of Nanovation, Mike and Andrew are interviewed on WREK’s North Avenue Lounge. They spoke with host Charlie Bennett about the origin of Nanovation, why they started it, why they keep working on it, where they hope to go, and more. Nanovation will be back with a regular episode in a few weeks.
Show details:
• Recorded at WREK in Atlanta, GA on December 17, 2018
• Hosted by Charlie Bennett (@bennettradio)
• Podcast version edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/44
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

43: Bob Hamers - Do you want to start a company? Nov 20, 2018

Bob Hamers is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and co-founder of Silatronix, a company that is commercializing a new electrolyte for Li ion batteries. On this episode of the Nanovation podcast, Bob shares the story of Silatronix's founding and the scientific twists and turns that lead them to their current electrolyte design. Bob also talks about the NSF-funded Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology (CSN), which is a multi-institutional partnership devoted to investigating the fundamental molecular mechanisms by which nanoparticles interact with biological systems. The show ends with a fascinating look at the esoteric field of solvated electrons and the potential of these tiny reactive species to perform chemistry in new ways.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on August 30, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/43
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

42: Sebastien Lounis - It's a pretty sweet deal Oct 08, 2018

Sebastien Lounis is the co-founder of Cyclotron Road, a fellowship program that supports entrepreneurial scientists as they start down the road of translating a scientific discovery into a commercially viable technology. On this episode of the Nanovation podcast, Sebastien overviews Cyclotron Road, what drove him and his co-founder to start it, how it works, and how it fits into the broader tech-translation landscape. Critically, Cyclotron Road helps to fill the earliest innovation stage gap, sometimes called the “valley of death”, that often prevents exciting “hard tech” breakthroughs from leaving the lab. Sebastien also shares the story of one fellow’s journey to success and how you know when you’re ready to apply to the program.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on August 7, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/42
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

41: Kira Barton - Not just a good talker Oct 02, 2018

Kira Barton from the University of Michigan joins the podcast to share her experience being a professor. At a tier-one research institution like Michigan, the job of professor is so much more than teaching undergraduate students. However, the show starts with a discussion of additive manufacturing, how it's already changing the way we make stuff, and Kira’s lab's exciting research on a new technique called e-jet printing. Whether you're here to learn about the emerging world of additive manufacturing or what it takes to succeed as a professor at a top engineering school, rest assured you'll be learning from the best.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on May 24, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/41
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

40: Swami Rajaraman - Electroactive and excitable Aug 24, 2018

Swami Rajaraman from the University of Central Florida joins the podcast to talk MEMS. MEMS, or microelectromechanical systems, combine miniaturized structures, sensors, actuators, and microelectronics into a single device. Swami’s laboratory develops new MEMS fabrication methods for the advancement of human health and personalized medicine. In this episode, Swami takes us on a journey from his days as a graduate student at Georgia Tech, to his time as an early employee of the start-up Axion Biosystems, and now as an assistant professor at UCF. Along the way, he provides great primers on the state-of-the-art in MEMS and 3-D printing technology.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on May 17, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/40
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

39: Lars Pleth Nielsen - Why not try something new and better? Jul 28, 2018

Lars Pleth Nielsen is the director of the Tribology Centre at the Danish Technological Institute. His team works with customers to invent, advance, and industrially deploy coating technologies. Coatings are thin layers that cover most of the materials made today. They can offer protection from the environment, impart different surface properties, and more. On this episode of Nanovation, Lars recounts a variety of stories from his research career, ranging from his exploration of the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen as a child to the “super slip” coating he’s currently working to bring to market. We also discuss his outstanding two-volume book titled Advanced Surface Technology that he co-authored with his colleague and friend Per Møller, and which is considered by many to be the Bible of coating technology.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on May 3, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/39
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

38: Emily Weiss - When they’re smushed, they get mad Jun 17, 2018

Emily Weiss from Northwestern University joins the podcast for a wide ranging discussion. We start by asking a deep question: "What is good science?" The answer takes us from the discovery of Neptune to the marriage of basic and applied science that made Bell Labs so great. We then discuss her lab's interest in the interactions between light and quantum dots, tiny crystalline particles with diameters less than about 5 nm. We also find time for Emily to share her vision of a future where biology can be investigated not only on extremely short length scales, but also on extremely short time scales. Stick around for a brief after show if you've ever wondered about making poached eggs. This episode has it all.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on April 25, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/38
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

37: Victor Breedveld - That's why they pay chemical engineers the big bucks May 21, 2018

Victor Breedveld from Georgia Tech joins the podcast to discuss "Process Principles for Large-Scale Nanomanufacturing," a perspective piece that he and I co-authored with Sven Behrens and graduate student Maritza Mujica. We overview the state-of-the-art in terms of nanomanufacturing, the pros and cons of modular and integrated manufacturing paradigms, why we think the chemicals industry is a good model for a future nanomanufacturing industry, the physical phenomena that complicate the processing of "nanoparts," and what science and engineering will be required before the real potential of nanotechnology will be felt by the average person.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on April 2, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/37
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

36: Anna Fontcuberta i Morral - I’m grateful that I am naïve Apr 24, 2018

Anna Fontcuberta i Morral from École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland joins the podcast to talk about compound semiconductors and their nanostructures. These more exotic relatives of silicon excel in charge transport and light emission/absorption, which makes them useful in technologies ranging from wireless communications to solid-state lighting. We also talk about the differences between academic research in Europe and the United States. We discuss how laboratories are structured, where funding comes from, and how that can influence the resulting research.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on March 26, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/36
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

35: Elizabeth Nance - Why I’m fascinated by diffusion Mar 16, 2018

Elizabeth Nance from the University of Washington talks about the use of nanoparticles to treat neurological diseases. We discuss what makes nanoparticles such interesting vehicles for delivering drugs to the brain, how her lab interrogates this process, and why laboratory success so often fails to translate into people. Elizabeth also shares her perspective on how to train future scientists and engineers to operate in a complex, interdisciplinary world. When a conversation begins with a story of a stolen brain, you know it's going to be good!
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on February 5, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/35
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

34: Matt McDowell - Fancy Latin words Feb 20, 2018

Matt McDowell is an expert in electrochemical materials and devices. On this episode, we talk about everything batteries — how they work, the state-of-the-art, what still needs to be improved, and what options are on the table for future technologies. We also discuss Matt and his students’ use of in situ experiments — those able to make measurements of a device while it is operating — and how they use this capability to understand the atomic scale details that govern battery performance and failure. We also ponder if batteries will ever be used as the main source of energy in airplanes and, if so, what it will take to get there.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on February 1, 2018
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/34
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

33: Andrew Cannon - He's one of those scientists Jan 26, 2018

Andrew Cannon started 1900 Engineering to commercialize a microcontact printing-based technology to map strain in high performance materials. His technology helps engineers understand when and how parts fatigue, knowledge that is critically important for industries ranging from aerospace to automotive. We talk about how 1900 Engineering's technology works and how the stamps are fabricated, but also discuss a number of the long-standing challenges to precision patterning at the micrometer and nanometer length scale.
This episode is dedicated to Lorrie Michele Parson.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on December 5, 2017
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/33
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

32: Stacey Bent - A Ph.D. thesis in Russia Nov 28, 2017

Stacey Bent from Stanford University joins the podcast to talk about Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), a technique used to modify the composition and properties of surfaces. Since a large fraction of the atoms in nanostructures exist on the surface, ALD has become a quintessential tool for nanotechnologists. In this micro-episode, Stacey explains how ALD got its start, how it works, how the semiconductor industry accelerated its development, and what opportunities lie ahead.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on October 25, 2017
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/32
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

31: John Randall - The way I ended up being a nanofabricator Nov 12, 2017

John Randall, the President of Zyvex Labs, joins the podcast to discuss his far reaching vision for nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing. We discuss what he calls Digital Atomic Scale Fabrication, the future products it might enable, the critical need for error correction, and why today's semiconductor manufacturers are unlikely to lead the way. John also shares a number of captivating stories from his career.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on September 14, 2017
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/31
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

30: Eric Furst - A crystalline solid of yummy, delicious chocolate Sep 28, 2017

Eric Furst from the University of Delaware is an expert in self-assembly -- the Harry Potter-esque ability of materials to assemble themselves into well-defined structures. We talk about where we are, where we are going, and what makes controlling self-assembly so hard. A variety of topics make cameos, including M&Ms, NASA's Vomit Comet, flying solar cells, and more.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on April 19, 2017
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/30
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

29: Lynn Loo - You've just stepped on my soapbox Aug 31, 2017

Lynn Loo from Princeton University joins the podcast to talk about organic semiconductors -- Si and GaAs's far more tunable and flexible siblings -- and the applications where they shine. We also touch on the value of industry/academic partnerships and the challenges faced by minorities in technical fields.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on February 16, 2017
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/29
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

28: Dennis Hess - That's a big big number Aug 10, 2017

Dennis Hess from the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech joins the podcast to talk about the early days of the semiconductor industry. We discuss the birth of Fairchild Semiconductor, the so-called "traitorous eight," and their groundbreaking process innovations that still underlie integrated circuit manufacturing.
Show details:
• Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Edited by Andrew Cannon (@andrewhcannon)
• Recorded on January 31, 2017
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/28
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

27: Bara Cola - Naive is not a strong enough word Feb 22, 2017

Bara Cola makes an encore appearance on the podcast to chat about Carbice, a company he founded to commercialize next generation heat transfer materials for cooling electronic devices. We discuss the value and challenge of maintaining business relationships, how competition from abroad is changing the playing field for technology start-ups, and the excitement surrounding a number of carbon nanotube-based products now making their way to the market.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on January 26, 2017
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/27
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

26: Jen Dionne - The light at the end of the tunnel Feb 02, 2017

Jen Dionne from Stanford University is the first guest of 2017! We focus on optical metamaterials -- engineered materials whose nanoscale architecture enables exotic interactions with light. We explore technological possibilities ranging from improved drug manufacturing to computing with photons (instead of electrons). We also learn what motivates Jen, how she picks scientific problems, and whether or not she's a superhero.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on December 6, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/26
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

25: Vivian Ferry - What constraints are really constraints? Dec 21, 2016

On this quadranscentennial episode of Nanovation, Vivian Ferry from the University of Minnesota joins the podcast to talk about nanophotonics -- the ability to squeeze light into and manipulate it with nanoscale objects. We talk about the use of nanophotonics in applications ranging from solar energy harvesting to catalysis and cover the litany of materials and manufacturing challenges.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on November 17, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/25
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

24: Jim Pfaendtner - Our science is at HD Dec 05, 2016

Jim Pfaendtner is a chemical engineer at the University of Washington in Seattle. He joined the podcast to talk about data — the flood of it from modern experiments and simulations, the challenge of dealing with it, and its potential to transform the practice of science and engineering. Other critical topics include the Tacoma Aroma, Swiss army knives, the meaning of life, the dangers of Microsoft Excel, and SkyNet.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on November 15, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/24
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

23: Eray Aydil - Go to the lab and make "accidents" happen Nov 19, 2016

Eray Aydil from the University of Minnesota joins the podcast to discuss surfaces — the boundaries between two phases. We talk about what they are, how they're interrogated, and why they’re important. Along the way, we touch on the changing relationship between academia and industry, the importance of serendipity in scientific discovery, and how maintaining enthusiasm during early college courses is surprisingly indicative of future success in science and engineering.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on November 10, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/23
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

22: Alphabet Energy - That’s a useless thermoelectric material Nov 05, 2016

John Reifenberg, Jeff Weisse, and Tapan Patel from the start-up company Alphabet Energy join the podcast to discuss something all around us: heat. Alphabet Energy is trying to harvest waste heat and, in doing so, increase the energy efficiency of cars, chemical plants, refrigerators, and much more. We focus on thermoelectrics — devices that convert heat into electrical energy. We discuss what’s needed for thermoelectrics to become mainstream products, what’s missed when peak materials performance is overemphasized, and the difficulty of translating laboratory-based fabrication techniques into large-scale manufacturing.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on October 18, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/22
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

21: Chris Toumey - Writing is a lot of hard work Oct 21, 2016

Chris Toumey is an anthropologist who specializes in the societal and cultural issues surrounding nanotechnology. We cover a lot of ground in our discussion, including the origins of nanotechnology, how its potential to fundamentally impact the human condition make it ripe for individual interpretation, how different religious groups view nanotechnology, and much more.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on September 27, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/21
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

20: Mark Hersam - You get a phone call out of the blue Oct 05, 2016

Mark Hersam is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University and MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant winner. He's a pioneer in the area of nanomaterials separations, the processes by which nanomaterials are purified. We chat about the impact of his lab’s breakthrough demonstration of carbon nanotube purification, the perceived value of separations in general, the commercial status of the technology, and the road ahead.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on September 20, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/20
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

19: Doug Natelson - Look, I'm a physicist, I have met people like Sheldon Sep 23, 2016

Doug Natelson is a different kind of geek. He's an expert in the physics of nanoscale materials, but he’s also a world-class science communicator. Doug authors the blog Nanoscale Views, where he writes about a range of general interest and technical topics. We talk about his lab's studies of heating at the nanoscale, his love of blogging, and his recently published textbook on nanotechnology.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on September 1, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/19
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

18: Ivan Oransky - It would be both inadvisable and highly illegal for me to treat any patients Sep 09, 2016

Ivan Oransky is the co-founder (with his colleague Adam Marcus) of Retraction Watch, a website that tracks retractions in the scientific literature. This episode was recorded during Ivan's visit to Georgia Tech to give the Phillips 66 / C.J. "Pete" Silas Program in Ethics and Leadership lecture. We discussed his motivations for starting Retraction Watch, the reasons for the rising number of retractions, and what drives (a very small number of) scientists to commit fraud.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on August 31, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/18
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

17: Taylor Harvey - I’m not going to give you any money to do it, but you should do it Aug 25, 2016

Taylor Harvey is the co-founder of Lucelo Technologies, a company working on low cost solar cell manufacturing. We chat about what’s really needed in the solar market, the often frustrating challenge of raising capital, and how an initially niche product can eventually disrupt incumbent players. Somehow skiing, autocorrect, Chuck E. Cheese, and theatrical stage lighting make cameos along the way.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on August 9, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/17
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

16: Mark Styczynski - The yeast are just as smart as before I got them Aug 11, 2016

Mark Styczynski is a systems biologist and Associate Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech. He knows very little about nanotechnology, but that's the point. We discuss what biotechnologists and nanotechnologists don't understand about each other and how they might collaborate in the future.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on August 3, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/16
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

15: Jordi Arbiol - Anyone can do TEM Jul 28, 2016

Jordi Arbiol from the Catalan Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Barcelona, Spain joins the podcast to talk about electron microscopy and its remarkable ability to visualize nanomaterials in atomic-level detail.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on July 19, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/15
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

14: Matthew Realff - There's no free lunch Jul 14, 2016

Special guest Matthew Realff from the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech joins the show. We chat about wind energy, carpet recycling, coke bottles, sucking carbon dioxide out of the air, and the "chemical engineering-ification" of nanomaterials manufacturing.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on June 21, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/14
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

13: John Hart - The Home Depot for nanomaterials Jun 30, 2016

What do you get when you combine current events and nanotechnology? NanoBama, a carbon nanotube based picture of the 44th President of the United States. John Hart, the leader of the MechanoSynthesis group at MIT, joins the podcast to talk about his love of nanomanufacturing and science communication. We talk about the challenge of developing “code” for nanomanufacturing processes and how nanomanufacturing is in a (sometimes frustrating) adolescent phase. John also shares his experience preparing for and presenting a TEDx talk.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on June 17, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/13
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

12: Charlie Bennett - Heat the bonkers out of it Jun 15, 2016

Charlie Bennett is back! We start by chatting about the joys and challenges of hosting Nanovation. Then, within the context of the movie Terminator Genisys, which is truly awful, we discuss self-replicating nanomachines. We overview their original articulation, the scientific arguments for and against their ultimate realization, and how, in the near-term, biology is far more likely to get us.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on June 7, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/12
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

11: Brian Korgel - Even the simple things are hard Jun 01, 2016

Brian Korgel from the University of Texas at Austin joins the podcast to reminisce about nano's past and ponder its future. We chat about his formative years as a graduate student, the giants whose shoulders he has stood upon, and a (long forgotten) time when it was necessary to convince your colleagues of the value of nanoscience. We also discuss a future where nanomaterials have found their place in solar energy technologies and one where we have far better control of the interface between materials and biology.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on May 12, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/11
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

10: Nancy Healy - Mr. Whatever-his-name-is made too much meatball sauce May 17, 2016

Nancy Healy is the director of education and outreach for the National Science Foundation funded National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI). A recovering micropaleontologist, she oversees activities at the 16 primary NNCI sites around the country. We talk about the educational mission of the NNCI, the public’s evolving perceptions of nanotechnology, and how you’re never too young to be inspired by it. We make sure to cover the usual nano topics, including magic sand, Wil Wheaton, khaki pants, superheros, meatballs, school buses, and ferrofluids.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on April 19, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/10
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

9: Fred Rascoe - Don’t put it on your CV May 03, 2016

Fred Rascoe from the Georgia Tech Library joins the podcast to talk about the changing world of academic publishing. We discuss the existing paradigm, why it is under attack, and what we can expect going forward. Along the way, we somehow touch on vinyl records, mustaches, Mexican food, and Barbra Streisand. We round out the show with a potentially blasphemous question: can peer review (at the point of initial publication) be eliminated altogether?
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on April 12, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/9
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

8: Tobias Hanrath - This guy is totally crazy Apr 21, 2016

Tobias Hanrath is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University, and he's the first remote guest on the podcast. He successfully dodges technical difficulties to talk about nanoparticles, nanocrystals, quantum dots, or whatever you call them. We have a far ranging discussion, touching on everything from interconnecting nanoparticles to cooking doughnuts.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on April 4, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/8
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

7: Suresh Sharma - The valley of death Apr 05, 2016

Today’s guest is Suresh Sharma, an entrepreneur-in-residence at Georgia Tech. After a successful business career, he now works alongside faculty to translate their scientific breakthroughs into commercial products. He joined the podcast to talk about the potential of the southeast United States as a hub for nanomanufacturing. As with any good podcast, the conversation leads to a discussion of the frequency with which airlines lose passengers' luggage.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on March 25, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/7
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

6: Saujan Sivaram - We need a fact checking team Mar 26, 2016

Dr. Saujan Sivaram, a recent graduate of the Filler Lab, joins the podcast to talk about semiconductor nanowires. We chat about how these rod-like materials are made, the idea of “functional encoding,” and the challenges that lie ahead. We finish with a discussion of the companies trying (really really hard) to translate nanowires into commercial products. Come for the nano, stay to learn how to pronounce Saujan’s name.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on March 4, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/6
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

5: Craig Green - I'm shocked that people were shocked Mar 17, 2016

Dr. Craig Green of InvisiCool and Carbice Nanotechnologies joins the podcast to talk low tech nanotech, nanotechnology safety, and the pesky problem of unforeseen consequences. Have you ever wondered what skin care and integrated circuits have in common? Now is your chance to find out.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on February 25, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/5
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

4: Eric Vogel - The original nano Mar 10, 2016

This week's guest is Eric Vogel, a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech and the Deputy Director of the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN). We talk transistors — the original nanotechnology — and what these super tiny switches can teach us about future nanotechnologies. We discuss why we keep shrinking transistor size, the manufacturing challenges associated with this "scaling," and what looks like the end of the road for conventional integrated circuits. Don't miss the after-show where we ask: what if we move to a new integrated circuit architecture? The answer is a doozy.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on February 16, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/4
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

3: Jonathan Goldman - They want it green instead of blue Mar 03, 2016

This episode's guest is Jonathan Goldman, an Atlanta-based technologist who wears many hats. He is currently an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) and a Principal at the Georgia Tech VentureLab. He joined me to discuss rising interest in perovskite materials for solar cells and the 800 lb gorilla still in the room (hint: it's silicon). We also touched on the challenge of translating scientific discovery into commercial products.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on February 8, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/3
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

2: Bara Cola - Anyone can be an expert Feb 23, 2016

Today's guest is Bara Cola, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech. Once a walk-on college football player, Bara currently runs the NEST lab and is a world expert on the use of carbon nanotubes (and related materials) in thermal technologies. He joined me to talk about the history of carbon nanotubes, their uses, and the special place they hold in our hearts.
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on January 15, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/2
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

1: Charlie Bennett - Thank you for your email, I will never answer it Feb 15, 2016

Today's guest is Charlie Bennett, an undergraduate programming and engagement librarian at Georgia Tech. He’s also a friend and podcasting guru. You can hear him on his podcasts Lost in the Stacks, Consilience with Pete and Charlie, and several more. He courageously joined me for the first episode of Nanovation to both keep me honest and ask "what in the world is this podcast about?"
Show details:
• Hosted and edited by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller)
• Recorded on January 6, 2016
• Show notes are available at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/archive/1
• Submit feedback at http://www.fillerlab.com/nanovation/feedback

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