ABSTRACT

A revolution is occurring in science and technology, based on the recently developed ability to measure, manipulate and organize matter on the nanoscale 1 to 100 billionths of a meter. At this level everything is attenuated to fundamental interactions between atoms and molecules. Therefore, physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and engineering converge toward the same principles and tools. A nanoelement compares to a basketball, like a basketball to the size of the earth. The aim of nonscientists is to manipulate and control the infinitesimal particles to create novel structures with unique properties. The science of atoms and simple molecules and the science of matter from microstructures to larger scales are generally established, in parallel. The remaining size related challenge is at the nanoscale where the fundamental properties of materials are determined and can be engineered. A revolution has been occurring in science and technology, based on the ability to measure, manipulate and organize matter on this scale. These properties are incorporated into useful and functional devices. Therefore, nanoscience will be transformed into nanotechnology. Through a basic understanding of ways to control and manipulate matter at the nanometer scale and through the incorporation of nanostructures and nano-processes into technological innovations, nanotechnology will provide the capacity to create affordable products with dramatically improved performance. Nanotechnology involves the ability to manipulate, measure, and model physical, chemical, and biological systems at nanometer dimensions, in order to exploit nanoscale phenomena [1].