A field of science whose goal is to control individual atoms and molecules to create computer chips and other devices that are thousands of times smaller than current technologies permit. Current manufacturing processes use lithography to imprint circuits on semiconductor materials. While lithography has improved dramatically over the last two decades -- to the point where some manufacturing plants can produce circuits smaller than one micron (1,000 nanometers) -- it still deals with aggregates of millions of atoms. It is widely believed that lithography is quickly approaching its physical limits. To continue reducing the size of semiconductors, new technologies that juggle individual atoms will be necessary. This is the realm of nanotechnology.
Although research in this field dates back to Richard P. Feynman's classic talk in 1959, the term nanotechnology was first coined by K. Eric Drexler in 1986 in the book Engines of Creation.
In the popular press, the term nanotechnology is sometimes used to refer to any sub-micron process, including lithography. Because of this, many scientists are beginning to use the term molecular nanotechnology when talking about true nanotechnology at the molecular level.
NanoTechnology Magazine Excellent all-around source for news and information about nanotechnology. Good for beginners as well as seasoned veterans.
Ralph C. Merkle's Nanotechnology Web Site Good introduction to nanotechnology with lots of links to additional information. The site is maintained by Ralph C Merkle, a scientist at Xerox PARC.
Feynman's 1959 talk Nobel Laureate Richard P. Feynman's 1959 talk to the American Physical Society, in which he discusses minituarization at the molecular level. It is widely viewed as the seminal speech that launched nanotechnology as an independent field of research.
Nanoelectronics Planet Nanoelectronics Planet provides news and events for the nanotechnology business communities of interest: business development, investment,technology transfer, and government.
