Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies

Envision a world where the smallest particles hold immense power. Right here at the Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies (C2N) in Paris-Saclay, that world comes alive. The C2N, a collaborative effort between CNRS and Université Paris-Saclay, stands as a testament to France’s commitment to nanoscience research. Founded in 2016 from the merger of two prominent laboratories, the Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures (LPN) and the Institut d’Electronique Fondamentale (IEF), the C2N moved to its state-of-the-art facility in 2018. This cutting-edge building, nestled in the heart of the Paris-Saclay campus, allows researchers to delve into the fascinating realm of nanoscience. The Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies isn’t just a building. It’s a hub for groundbreaking research in fields ranging from material science and nanophotonics to nanoelectronics and nanobiotechnologies. The Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies even extends its research to microsystems and, of course, nanotechnologies themselves. The scope of their work spans the entire spectrum, from fundamental explorations to practical applications. The C2N boasts one of Europe’s largest concentrations of experts in photonics, with over 180 members. Their research covers three interconnected areas: nonlinear and quantum nanophotonics, subwavelength photonics and nano-objects, and photonics and nanophotonics devices. Their work has significant implications for information technologies, photovoltaics, and biomedical imaging and sensors. In 2020, C2N researchers achieved a remarkable feat. They fabricated a chip that acted as a miniature particle collider, providing the first solid confirmation of the existence of anyons. This breakthrough, a collaboration with ENS researchers, was even featured on the cover of Science magazine. The Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies stands as a beacon of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the nanoscale world.