Laboratory Director Jeff Wadsworth said the nanotechnology center, collaborating with other world class facilities at Oak Ridge, will provide new scientific opportunities.
"We'll be doing a lot of simulation and modeling through the computer capability and our theory capability," Wadsworth said. "We'll also be closely integrated with the Spallation Neutron Source and how we set up our nano-science work."
Wadsworth said Oak Ridge nanotechnology research means more jobs for East Tennessee.
"Those collective scientific outputs will translate into technologies," Wadsworth said. "Those technologies will become companies, products and services. I expect a very great economic impact in East Tennessee."
Wadsworth said the nanotechnology center is another example of Oak Ridge National Laboratory impacting the nation scientifically.
ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle for the Department of Energy.