The
word "nano” in nanotechnology comes from the term "nanometer", which is one billionth of a meter. Nanotechnology is the manipulation
of matter at the atomic, molecular, or macro-molecular
levels (on the length scale of approximately 1-100
nanometers) to discover and exploit novel phenomena
and materials at the nanoscale.
Nobel
Laureate Dr. Richard Smalley, testifying before Congress
during a hearing on nanotechnology (June 22, 1999)
said: "The impact of nanotechnology on health, wealth, and lives of people will be at
least the equivalent of the combined influences of
microelectronics, medical imaging, computer-aided
engineering, and man-made polymers developed in this
century."
The
figure below gives some perspective about different
length scales.
Building
things with atomic precision is an amazing contrast
to the manufacturing techniques of today, which are
very crude when examined at the molecular level.
Today, making a smooth edge requires manufacturers
to grind away and discard trillions of atoms. These
factors plague modern manufacturing techniques, causing
imprecision, pollution, and enormous waste.
The
ability to precisely position individual atoms and
molecules will allow us to create objects with unprecedented
efficiency. As the technology continues to improve,
we will be able to move hundreds, thousands, and
then millions of atoms to precisely construct objects
of virtually any size, shape, and material, without
waste and pollution.
Nanotechnology
is a pervasive enabler that promises to impact a
variety of applications. It could potentially have
a critical impact across a broad spectrum of industries
to a degree never previously experienced. The scientific,
business, and societal need for nanotechnology is
enormous. Manipulating atoms at the nanoscale will
enable development of novel materials and properties.
Discovery of new phenomena, properties and manipulation
capabilities at the nano scale will open a world
of new capabilities in products, efficient processes
in manufacturing, and improvements to the environment.
For more information, visit our
web sites
page.
Article Copyright 2005. Zyvex Corporation.
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