Luther , Wolfgang (2006) International Strategy and Foresight Report on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Technical Report. Université Virtuelle de Tunis. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Atoms and molecules are the essential building blocks of all things. The manner in which things are “constructed” with these building blocks is vitally important to their properties and how they interact. Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation or selfassembly of individual atoms, molecules, or molecular clusters into structures to create materials and devices with new or vastly different properties. Nanotechnology can develop new ways to manufacture things. The top down approach entails reducing the size of the smallest structures to the nanoscale and can be clearly seen in nanoelectronics and nanoengineering where photonics is an early application. The bottom up approach involves manipulating individual atoms and molecules into nanostructures and more closely resembles chemistry of biology. Since the late 90`s, nanotechnology has shot into the limelight as a new field with tremendous promise.1 Experts have even compared the revolutionary aspects of nanotechnology to silicon and plastic and their impact on society and the wide range of new products, which arose from their use. This new, “small” way of manipulating materials has already led to new research areas and the development of new products, which are available on the commercial market.

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