08-05-2012, 03:10 PM
NANOTECHNOLOGY
12_Nanotechnology.doc (Size: 339 KB / Downloads: 82)
. Introduction
Molecular nanotechnology or Nanotechnology is the name given to a specific sort of manufacturing technology to build things from the atom up, and to rearrange matter with atomic precision. In other words, we can say that nanotechnology is a three dimensional structural control of material and devices at molecular level. The nanoscale structures can be prepared, characterized, manipulated, and even visualized with tools.
“Nanotechnology is a tool-driven field."
Other terms, such as molecular engineering or molecular manufacturing are also often applied when describing this emerging technology. This technology does not yet exist. But, scientists have recently gained the ability to observe and manipulate atoms directly. However, this is only one small aspect of a growing array of techniques in nanoscale science and technology. The ability to make commercial products may yet be a few decades away.
“Nanotechnology is Engineering, Not Science.”
The central thesis of nanotechnology is that almost any chemically stable structure that is not specifically disallowed by the laws of physics can in fact be built. Theoretical and computational models indicate that molecular manufacturing systems are possible — that they do not violate existing physical law. These models also give us a feel for what a molecular manufacturing system might look like. Melting pot of science combining applications of physics, chemistry, biology, electronics and computers. Today, scientists are devising numerous tools and techniques that will be needed to transform nanotechnology from computer models into reality.
Nanotechnology is often called the science of the small. It is concerned with manipulating particles at the atomic level, usually in order to form new compounds or make changes to existing substances. Nanotechnology is being applied to problems in electronics, biology, genetics and a wide range of business applications.
HISTORY OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
Any advanced research carries inherent risks but nanotechnology bears a special burden. The field's bid for respectability is colored by the association of the word with a cabal of futurist who foresee nano as a pathway to a techno-utopia: unparalleled prosperity, pollution-free industry, even something resembling eternal life.
In 1986-five years after IBM researchers Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer invented the scanning tunneling microscope, which garnered them the Nobel Prize-the book Engines of Creation, by K. Eric Drexler, created a sensation for its depiction of godlike control over matter. The book describes self-replicating nanomachines that could produce virtually any material good, while reversing global warming, curing disease and dramatically extending life spans. Scientists with tenured faculty positions and NSF grants ridiculed these visions, noting that their fundamental improbability made them an absurd projection of what the future holds.
12_Nanotechnology.doc (Size: 339 KB / Downloads: 82)
. Introduction
Molecular nanotechnology or Nanotechnology is the name given to a specific sort of manufacturing technology to build things from the atom up, and to rearrange matter with atomic precision. In other words, we can say that nanotechnology is a three dimensional structural control of material and devices at molecular level. The nanoscale structures can be prepared, characterized, manipulated, and even visualized with tools.
“Nanotechnology is a tool-driven field."
Other terms, such as molecular engineering or molecular manufacturing are also often applied when describing this emerging technology. This technology does not yet exist. But, scientists have recently gained the ability to observe and manipulate atoms directly. However, this is only one small aspect of a growing array of techniques in nanoscale science and technology. The ability to make commercial products may yet be a few decades away.
“Nanotechnology is Engineering, Not Science.”
The central thesis of nanotechnology is that almost any chemically stable structure that is not specifically disallowed by the laws of physics can in fact be built. Theoretical and computational models indicate that molecular manufacturing systems are possible — that they do not violate existing physical law. These models also give us a feel for what a molecular manufacturing system might look like. Melting pot of science combining applications of physics, chemistry, biology, electronics and computers. Today, scientists are devising numerous tools and techniques that will be needed to transform nanotechnology from computer models into reality.
Nanotechnology is often called the science of the small. It is concerned with manipulating particles at the atomic level, usually in order to form new compounds or make changes to existing substances. Nanotechnology is being applied to problems in electronics, biology, genetics and a wide range of business applications.
HISTORY OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
Any advanced research carries inherent risks but nanotechnology bears a special burden. The field's bid for respectability is colored by the association of the word with a cabal of futurist who foresee nano as a pathway to a techno-utopia: unparalleled prosperity, pollution-free industry, even something resembling eternal life.
In 1986-five years after IBM researchers Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer invented the scanning tunneling microscope, which garnered them the Nobel Prize-the book Engines of Creation, by K. Eric Drexler, created a sensation for its depiction of godlike control over matter. The book describes self-replicating nanomachines that could produce virtually any material good, while reversing global warming, curing disease and dramatically extending life spans. Scientists with tenured faculty positions and NSF grants ridiculed these visions, noting that their fundamental improbability made them an absurd projection of what the future holds.