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Nanotechnology is the development and engineering of devices so small that they are measured on a molecular scale. This emerging field involves scientists from many different disciplines, including physicists, chemists, engineers, information technologists, and material scientists, as well as biologists. Nanotechnology is being applied to almost every field imaginable, including electronics, magnetics, optics, information technology, materials development, and biomedicine.
Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices and systems through control of matter on the nanometer length scale (1-100 nanometers), and exploitation of novel phenomena and properties (physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical...) at that length scale. For comparison, 10 nanometers is 1000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. A scientific and technical revolution has just begun based upon the ability to systematically organize and manipulate matter at nanoscale.
The field of nanotechnology can usually be identified as:
Research and technology development at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels, in the length scale of approximately 1 - 100 nanometer range.
Creating and using structures, devices and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their small and/or intermediate size.
Ability to control or manipulate on the atomic scale.
Medical researchers work at the micro- and nano-scales to develop new drug delivery methods, therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. For instance, DNA, our genetic material, is in the 2.5 nanometer range, while red blood cells are approximately 2.5 micrometers.
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While nanotechnology is in the “pre-competitive” stage (meaning its applied use is limited), nanoparticles are being used in a number of industries. Nanoscale materials are used in electronic, magnetic and optoelectronic, biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, energy, catalytic and materials applications. Areas producing the greatest revenue for nanoparticles reportedly are chemical-mechanical polishing, magnetic recording tapes, sunscreens, automotive catalyst supports, biolabeling, electroconductive coatings and optical fibers. Today most computer hard drives contain giant magnetoresistance (GMR) heads that, through nano-thin layers of magnetic materials, allow for an order of magnitude increase in storage capacity. Other electronic applications include non-volatile magnetic memory, automotive sensors, landmine detectors and solid-state compasses.
Nanomaterials, which can be purchased in dry powder form or in liquid dispersions, often are combined with other materials today to improve product functionality. Additional products, available today, that benefit from the unique properties of nanoscale materials, include step assists on vans; bumpers on cars; paints and coatings to protect against corrosion, scratches and radiation; protective and glare-reducing coatings for eyeglasses and cars; metal-cutting tools; sunscreens and cosmetics; longer-lasting tennis balls; light-weight, stronger tennis racquets; stain-free clothing and mattresses; dental-bonding agent; burn and wound dressings; ink; and automobile catalytic converters.
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Ever smaller and ever faster. The pursuit of nanotechnology—chips, sensors, pumps, gears, lasers, novel materials, and an unending assortment of other useful “things” with features on the scale between one-billionth of a meter (about 10 hydrogen atoms across) and 100-billionths of a meter—is driving science and engineering to extremes.
Consider work under way at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where research truly is pushing the limits of technology. There, scientists and engineers are building atom and electron counters, single-photon turnstiles, ultracold ion and atom traps, and lasers that generate uniform pulses of light that last only a few trillionths of a second. For NIST, the quest to design, manipulate, manufacture, and assemble at the molecular and atomic levels translates into a full agenda of demanding measurement jobs and related tasks.
Already, more than 1,700 companies in 34 nations reportedly are pursuing the commercial promise of nanotechnology. Mastery of the almost infinitesimally small, however, will require an underlying technical foundation. Just like gage blocks (standardized sets of hardened steel blocks of accurately determined thicknesses) and other widely adopted measurement tools that enabled the rise of mass production and interchangeable parts, exceedingly accurate measurement tools and other underpinning generic technologies will be essential to realizing the anticipated bounty of nanotechnology products and services.
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