NANO TECHNOLOGY

"I want to build a billion tiny factories, models of each other, which are manufacturing simultaneously. . . The principles of physics, as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things atom by atom. It is not an attempt to violate any laws; it is something, in principle, that can be done; but in practice, it has not been done because we are too big." — Richard Feynman, Nobel Prize winner in physics

What is Nanotechnology?
A basic definition: Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale. This covers both current work and concepts that are more advanced.
In its original sense, 'nanotechnology' refers to the projected ability to construct items from the bottom up, using techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, high performance products.With 15,342 atoms, this parallel-shaft speed reducer gear is one of the largest nanomechanical devices ever modeled in atomic detail.
The Meaning of Nanotechnology

When K. Eric Drexler (right) popularized the word 'nanotechnology' in the 1980's, he was talking about building machines on the scale of molecules, a few nanometers wide—motors, robot arms, and even whole computers, far smaller than a cell. Drexler spent the next ten years describing and analyzing these incredible devices, and responding to accusations of science fiction. Meanwhile, mundane technology was developing the ability to build simple structures on a molecular scale. As nanotechnology became an accepted concept, the meaning of the word shifted to encompass the simpler kinds of nanometer-scale technology. The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative was created to fund this kind of nanotech: their definition includes anything smaller than 100 nanometers with novel properties.
Much of the work being done today that carries the name 'nanotechnology' is not nanotechnology in the original meaning of the word. Nanotechnology, in its traditional sense, means building things from the bottom up, with atomic precision. This theoretical capability was envisioned as early as 1959 by the renowned physicist Richard Feynman.
Four Generations


Mihail (Mike) Roco of the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative has described four generations of nanotechnology development (see chart below). The current era, as Roco depicts it, is that of passive nanostructures, materials designed to perform one task. The second phase, which we are just entering, introduces active nanostructures for multitasking; for example, actuators, drug delivery devices, and sensors. The third generation is expected to begin emerging around 2010 and will feature nanosystems with thousands of interacting components. A few years after that, the first integrated nanosystems, functioning (according to Roco) much like a mammalian cell with hierarchical systems within systems, are expected to be developed.
1.PASSIVE NANOSTRUCTURE.
A.Dispersed and contact Nanostuctures Ex:aerosols,colloids.
B.Product incorporating Nano structure Ex:coatings,nanoparticle reinforced composites;nano stuctured metals, polymers, cermaics.

2.ACTIVE NANO STUCTURES:
A.Bio-active health effects Ex:targeted drugs, bio devices.
B.physico-chemical active ex: 3d transistors, amplifirers actuator, adaptive stucture

3.SYSTEM OF NANO SYSTEM:
Ex :Guided assembling, 3d network and new hierarchical architectures, robotics, evolutinary

4.MOLECULAR NANO SYSTEMS:
Ex:molecular devices by design' atomic system, emerging function
What Education is Needed and in Which Fields?

Nanoscale phenomena underlie many of the properties and interactions of matter, and thus the sciences of physics, chemistry, and biology. Studying these fields, and paying attention to the developments in nanoscience that advance them and the applications in nanotechnology that they support, can provide you with a solid foundation for any of a broad range of careers.

Potential fields of study include:

* Biology
* Chemistry
* Physics
* Environmental Science
* Agricultural Science
* Engineering
* Medicine
* Forensic Science
* Law
* Business
* Ethics

Where are the Career Areas?

In areas as diverse as designing medical diagnostic devices to building better batteries, from creating cosmetics to enhancing energy efficient windows, from auto and plane manufacturing to researching the nature of matter itself, knowledge of nanoscale science and technology will be increasingly important during upcoming years and decades.

Current applications of nanoscale science and technology, and thus career opportunities, exist in areas such as:

* Electronics/semiconductor industry
* Materials science including textiles, polymers, packaging, among other
* Auto and aerospace industries
* Sports equipment
* Pharmaceuticals including drug delivery, cosmetics, among others
* Biotechnology
* Medical fields
* Optoelectronics
* Environmental monitoring and control
* Food science including quality control and packaging
* Forensics
* University and federal lab research
* National security
* Military
* And many more

Nanoscale science and technology are fueling a revolution in manufacturing and production, creating new materials and novel processes. Not only will the areas listed above continue to grow and benefit from nanotechnology, but the following fields are expected to undergo explosive developments:

* Medicine: diagnostics and therapeutics (e.g., drug delivery)
* Energy: capture, storage, & use; fuel cells, batteries
* Environmental remediation: in conjunction with GM microbes
* Robotics: many uses
* Manufacturing: self-assembly; “bottom-up” fabrication of novel materials
* Commerce: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) “smart” tags
* Space exploration: space elevator

As these lists of nanoscience-based applications indicate, our world is increasingly dependent on science for food, shelter, energy, etc. For our democratic society to function effectively, citizens must become familiar with at least some basic science and, perhaps even more importantly, with thinking scientifically.