What is nanotechnology? This is a common
question posed by both scientists and common people alike. I have
often heard skeptics
of nanotechnology research just say, “nano shmano”. Although cynical,
these skeptics have a point. The question of what constitutes
nanotechnology is clearly not as profound or asked as frequently
as what is the purpose of life or is there life after death, but
it is still an important and clearly fundamental question; after all,
how can
we discuss and apply nanotechnology without knowing what it is?
The well known Royal Society answers. The UK National Academy of
Science was commissioned to research and report on the development
and health concerns of nanotechnology (The report can be found at http://www.nanotec.org.uk).
Interestingly, the report begins with a definition of
nanotechnology and even adds the definition of nanoscience.
Although disputable, here are their definitions:
Nanoscience: is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials
at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties
differ significantly from those at a larger scale. Nanotechnologies: are the design, characterisation, production and
application of structures, devices and systems by controlling
shape and size at nanometre scale.
Do these definitions put an end to the debate and question of what
is nanotechnology? Clearly no, but it adds to the growing list of
definitions and opinions. I wonder what Richard P. Feynman would
say about these definitions. Perhaps he would reverberate the
title of his famous talk, “there’s plenty of room at the bottom”.
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