The word "nano in nanotechnology comes from the term "nanometer", which is one billionth of

a meter. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the atomic, molecular, or macro-

molecular levels (on the length scale of approximately 1-100 nanometers) to discover and
exploit novel phenomena and materials at the nanoscale.
Nobel Laureate Dr. Richard Smalley, testifying before Congress during a hearing on
nanotechnology (June 22, 1999) said: "The impact of nanotechnology on health, wealth, and
lives of people will be at least the equivalent of the combined influences of microelectronics,
medical imaging, computer-aided engineering, and man-made polymers developed in this
century."
The figure below gives some perspective about different length scales.

Building things with atomic precision is an amazing contrast to the manufacturing techniques of
today, which are very crude when examined at the molecular level. Today, making a smooth
edge requires manufacturers to grind away and discard trillions of atoms. These factors plague
modern manufacturing techniques, causing imprecision, pollution, and enormous waste.
The ability to precisely position individual atoms and molecules will allow us to create objects
with unprecedented efficiency. As the technology continues to improve, we will be able to move
hundreds, thousands, and then millions of atoms to precisely construct objects of virtually any
size, shape, and material, without waste and pollution.
Nanotechnology is a pervasive enabler that promises to impact a variety of applications. t could
potentially have a critical impact across a broad spectrum of industries to a degree never
previously experienced. The scientific, business, and societal need for nanotechnology is
enormous. Manipulating atoms at the nanoscale will enable development of novel materials and
properties. Discovery of new phenomena, properties and manipulation capabilities at the nano
scale will open a world of new capabilities in products, efficient processes in manufacturing, and
improvements to the environment.
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Article Copyright 2005. Zyvex Corporation.