Professor Dr Harald Fuchs

Research Priorities: Nanoscience, nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, nanomedicine, scanning probe microscopy, self-organised systems, theory of tip/sample interaction
Harald Fuchs is a pioneer in the field of nanoscience. He investigates how material in molecular and atomic dimensions can be systematically studied and manipulated in a targeted manner.
Harald Fuchs has been working with scanning probe methods, including scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), since the beginning of his scientific career. He subsequently developed such devices at BASF AG for the chemicals industry, and over his career has worked with an ever expanding range of such technologies. These technologies include scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM), which enables optical observations below the diffraction limit; scanning ion-conductance microscopy (SICM), which is particularly suited to biological samples such as living cells; and scanning probe lithography (SPL) methods such as polymer pen lithography (PPL) and dip-pen nanolithography. The latter methods combine the benefits of electron beam lithography, inkjet printing, and microcontact printing with respect to resolution, integration, and throughput. 
Harald Fuchs and his team focus in particular on nanoparticles, proteins, cells, cell membranes, thin organic films, and interfaces of organic and inorganic materials. He is interested in the relationships between structure and properties such as adhesion and stability, as well as self-organisation possibilities. 
His work represents a significant contribution to the development of instruments and devices, as well as to basic research. His work is also aimed at applications in various fields, including opto-electronics (LEDs and solar cells), and medicine, where nanotechnology enables new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In addition, Fuchs examines the risks associated with nanotechnology.
The nanoscientist’s work is characterised by the close interplay between physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine, for example at the CeNTech Münster and via the use of research findings in industry. He holds more than 50 patents and has co-founded two startups. He also conducted research projects in cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chinese universities, and the Chinese National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST).