above: Prof. Colin Nuckolls' research focuses on creating self-assembling "wires" one molecule wide

Nanotechnology is the scientific architect's new frontier: it promises a convergence of science, medicine, and engineering that may allow the development of a new generation of scientific approaches, experimental and simulation research tools, and clinical devices.

The essence of nanotechnology is the moving of matter with atomic precision, manipulating atoms, molecules, and macromolecular structures as well as exploiting the unique properties and phenomena of matter at a critical length scale (1-100 nm).

To date, nanoscale R&D discoveries are leading to enormous changes in the fabrication of computer storage devices and catalysts that are strengthening the U.S. economy. Nanotechnology will fundamentally change the way the research community thinks about the synthesis and characterization of materials and manufacturing, nanoelectronics and computer technology, medicine and health, biotechnology and agriculture, science and education, national security, and more.

 

above: A close-up view of one of Nuckolls' wires.

A brief definition of NANOTECHNOLOGY...

Nanotechnology is defined as the ability to work at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels (in the length scale of approximately 1-100 nm) and to create structures, devices, and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their small size.

The distinct and differentiating characteristics appear at a critical length scale of matter, typically under 100 nm. Nanotechnology includes integration of nanoscale structures into larger material components, systems, and architectures that are used in manufacturing, health care, the environment, and national security. Within these larger-scale systems, the control and construction of the devices remains at the nanoscale. In some cases, the critical length scale for novel properties and phenomena may be under 1 nm (e.g., manipulation of atoms is possible at ~ 0.1 nm) or larger than 100 nm (e.g., nanoparticle-reinforced polymers display nanoscale properties at a slightly larger scale, ~ 200-300 nm, as a function of the local bridges or bonds between the nanoparticles and the polymer).

Adapted from The NNI Report: Leading to the Next Industrial Revolution, February 2000