Jeol Usa and Mit Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies Enter Partnership Agreement

The USA subsidiary of JEOL Ltd., (Peabody Mass.) an international supplier of electron microscopes and analytical instruments, has entered into a partnership agreement with Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN).
ISN, a research collaboration between the United States Army and MIT,
is employing nanotechnology to transform heavy equipment and bulky clothing by miniaturising devices and fibres resulting in lightweight protection and monitoring and communicatuions equipment.
As a "Major Industrial Member" of the ISN Industry Consortium, JEOL USA will provide applications support and service for its scanning electron microscope and focused ion beam instruments used to image the nano-fibres.
"Our electron optics and ion beam enabling technology offer a wonderful synergy for both our organisations," said Robert Santorelli, President and CEO of JEOL USA. "Today's mission of survivability touches upon many important projects, both away from home in the battle theatre as well as in our local neighborhoods. We hope to develop new capabilities in nano-instrumentation as we work with ISN towards this goal."
Located on the MIT campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the ISN is under the direction of Professor Ned Thomas, a well-known polymer scientist. "Our ultimate goal is focused on the soldier, and the soldier system of the future," said Thomas.
ISN partners and researchers are working on new explosives sensing technology and have been studying the nanostructures of naturally tough materials to borrow design principals for synthetic composite armour materials.
"JEOL USA's relationship with MIT as well as Professor Thomas dates back decades and has resulted in many significant contributions to science
and technology," said Santorelli. "Our global staff recognises this great opportunity and is committed to advancement of development in nanotechnology."