Research efforts in the Department are centered on nanometer-scale science and technology. The physical and chemical properties of nanostructures are unique functions of their size and shape, and can be very different from those of bulk matter. Particularly fascinating phenomena occur if the nanostructures are subject to lateral boundary conditions on a length scale where quantum behavior prevails. The aim is to gain control of materials at the atomic and molecular level, allowing us to design systems and devices with properties and functionalities tailored to specific needs. Of particular interest are self-ordering strategies for bottom-up fabrication and assembly, quantum electronic transport in nanostructures and local probe spectroscopy on the atomic scale.