Qeam - Nanotechnology

What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology focuses on manipulating arrangements between atoms to form nanosystems – with unique physical, chemical and biological properties. It is a field at the junction of chemistry, physics, biology, computer science and engineering. Nanotechnology leads to innovations in life sciences, energy supplies, construction, electronics, and in many other sectors.

Nanotechnology deals with nanomaterials and nanosystems commonly smaller than 100 nanometers (100 nm). Tinier than 1/10.000 of a millimeter (1 mm). Two approaches exists. The top-down approach relates to the fabrication of nanoscale structures by machining and etching. Structures created atom by atom (molecule by molecule) via e.g. crystallization or catalysis include the bottom-up approach.

Eye-catching nanotechnology discoveries are so-called C60-molecules and carbon nanotubes (CNT). Nanotubes poses spectacular qualities in terms of strength, electric current density, and thermal conductivity. Possibly they play important roles in the development of new flat panel displays, hydrogen storage constructions or next generation semiconductors.

The societal and economic implications of new technologies - like forms of nanotechnology - could be huge. Nations want to hook-on the nanotechnology train, traditional parties in sectors are leapfrogged by successful competitors, environmental and health aspects need to be analyzed and discussed.

Nanotechnology: the next growth innovation

Technology plays an fundamental role in economic growth. If we look at the past several technologies can be labeled as growth innovations (see table below).

Growth innovations and their introduction

Industrious textile (mid 18th century)
Railroad (first quarter of 19th century)
Automobile (third quarter of 19th century)
Microelectronics (second quarter 20th century)
Biotechnology (third quarter 20th century)

Nanotechnology has the potential to be the next growth innovation. Currently the relative infancy of nanotechnology can be compared to information technology in the 1960s and biotechnology in the 1980s. But developments follow quickly (see table below).

Milestones in nanotechnology *
1959 1974 1981 1985 1986 1987 1988 1991 1993 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003	Feynman's ‘Plenty of room at the bottom’ talk First molecular electronic device patent filed Scanning tunneling microscope (STM) invented Buckyballs discovered Atomic force microscope (AFM) invented First single-electron transistor created First ‘designer protein’ created Carbon nanotubes discovered First nanotechnology lab in the US DNA-based nanomechanical device created Molecular-scale computer switch created US launches National Nanotechnology Initiative Logic gates made entirely from nanotubes EU program focuses heavenly on nanotechnology US president Bush signs nanotechnology act
* Based on Bastani & Fernandez, Thin Solid Films (2002)

mapping & activating developments