TABLE OF CONTENTS The National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan, developed by the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee, defines nanotechnology in the following way:
Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter; a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.
At this level, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of individual atoms and molecules or bulk matter. Nanotechnology R&D is directed towards understanding and creating improved materials, devices, and systems that exploit these new properties.1
Since its inception in fiscal year (FY) 2001, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI, website: http://www.nano.gov) has sought to accelerate the responsible development and application of nanotechnology to create jobs and economic growth, to enhance national security, and to improve the quality of life for all citizens. Funding under the NNI has more than doubled since FY 2001, to a request in FY 2005 of nearly $1 billion government-wide. R&D supported by the NNI is expected to result in cleaner and less wasteful methods of manufacture, stronger and lighter building materials, smaller yet faster computers, and more powerful ways to detect and treat disease.
Wavelike (quantum mechanical) properties of electrons inside matter and atomic...
