Introduction to Nanotechnology

Nanoechnology deals with creation of materials, devices and systems in the nanometer scale 1-100 nm through manipulating matter at that scale and exploiting novel properties arising because of the nanoscale. This lecture will first define nanotechnology, particularly describing what it is and what it is not, followed by detailed examples of change in various properties seen by going from bulk to nanoscale. The effect of nanoscale on physical properties, bandgap, etc. will be illustrated. Examples of novel nanomaterials such as nanotubes, nanowires, nanoparticles, etc. will introduced. Also, the tools used in nanotechnology research such as the scanning probe microscopes, scanning tunneling microscopes etc. will be mentioned and a summary of top-down and bottom-up processes needed in manufacturing will be presented as an introduction to the more detailed coverage later. Finally, a broad overview of the potential of nanotechnology on a sector-by-sector basis will be given to set the stage for the subsequent lectures in this NATO series.