Centre of Precision Manufacturing
Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management
University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
Preliminary Introduction to Atomic and Close-to-Atomic Scale Manufacturing
The evolution of manufacturing technology and systems can be fundamentally classified into three paradigms based on scales of manufacturing precision, functional features, material manipulation (removal, migration, and addition), and underlying theory. The emergence of atomic and close-to-atomic scale manufacturing (ACSM) is an inevitable outcome shaped by the three fundamental paradigms of manufacturing advancement.
This talk introduces a research framework, including scientific issues and research of ACSM, which aims to realize cost-effective, deterministic, and scalable manufacturing of next-generation products with atomic-level precision by addressing quantum uncertainty in atomic-level material manipulation (removal, migration, and addition). ACSM is regarded as the fundamental technology for opening a new manufacturing paradigm. Underpinning fundamental knowledge and theory and potential industrially viable processing technologies for realising ACSM will also be presented in this talk, followed by scientific and technological challenges, and future research perspectives.
Xichun Luo is a Professor in Ultra Precision Manufacturing at the University of Strathclyde, UK. His research interests include ultra-precision machining, micro, nano, atomic and close-to-atomic scale manufacturing. Prof. Luo won International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) Scientist Medal in 2024 and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) 2015 Ludwig Mond Prize for his work in micro & nanomanufacturing. He has over 260 publications and four patents. Prof. Luo is a Fellow of the International Society for Nanomanufacturing, International Academy of Engineering and Technology, International Association of Advanced Materials. He is an Associate Editor for several leading engineering journals.