Why Nanotechnology?

Introduction
Researching an area related to Nanotechnology can lead to new fields of
technology and discovery. Examining the overall subject of Nanotechnology can
certainly lead us beyond the original expectations. You can look at
Nanotechnology as a whole, compare the results across large areas of research in
this field that have involved different people with different backgrounds, various
institutes and various organisations, as well as the results of commercial
businesses already dealing and working in this field. Many of the results would
be unexpected and, consequently, would raise large numbers of questions with
various possible answers; in a field many still consider merely a part of scientific
research rather than a part of the actual engineering and commercial side.
Consequently, the general view related to Nanotechnology has been borne out
here as a result of what has been done and achieved so far worldwide, out of
genuine conviction that Nanotechnology is the way forward for a better future
for everyone concerned.

The Importance of Nanotechnology

Consider the question: "Why should Nanotechnology work better than any other
form of technology?" The answer can be very simple. When we understand the
structure of matter, then we can manipulate it and control it "from the inside",
which should give much better results than just dealing with matter "from the
outside".

How can it be concluded that Nanotechnology is the answer, when we still do not
either have the means to use it in commercial environments, or have fast,
accurate and cheap ways of applying it? Perhaps this is partly a matter of belief.
But, at the present time, much work and research across the globe is aimed at
just that, i.e. at building the basis of what will be needed (now or later) in order
to provide fast, accurate and cheaper ways of employing the principles of
Nanotechnology.

The study of the basic principles of Nanotechnology, its future implications and
its benefits, made it desirable to put a case forward for substantial
undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in this field, as an essential part in
speeding up the acceptance of this kind of technology among the general public
and, more importantly, to provide a nanotechnologist educated elite for various
industries and businesses.

As is very well known, in any technology, no work is complete without the

demonstration of the practical applications and the huge benefits which can be
provided. Thus, research, development and engineering of various tools related
to Nanotechnology are vital in order that a steady commercial progress can take
place alongside the present scientific research.
Teaching Nano-Science and Nanotechnology
Obviously, for Nanotechnology to establish itself and become an important
complete taught subject similar to any other science and technology subjects
being taught today, a regular awareness programme should be launched and
syllabuses should be compiled.
Nanotechnology teaching is lagging far behind Nanotechnology research. This is
due to a number of reasons, but possibly the most significant "among many" is
that Nanotechnology looks important mostly to commerce and defence. Large
commercial companies do not want to be left behind and, therefore, were among
the first to start their own research in this field. Also, Nanotechnology-related
research in security and defence plays a large role in countries that have the
infrastructure and the money to advance the technology for their own purposes.

Applications
In olden times, "Philosophy" was described as the mother of every science.
"Nanotechnology" can now be easily described as the mother of engineering. For
the above reason, when it comes to the type and number of applications which
may be addressed by Nanotechnology, then the answer is that there is no limit
simply because Nanotechnology deals with the inner structure i.e. dealing with
atoms and molecules as the starting point for all kind of applications which can
be used in our daily lives.

Practical Training and Future Tools

The future of Nanotechnology tools, recent research and development has
brought onto the scientific scene the next generation of methods and tools that
will allow us to understand and explore the nano-world in a much better way
than we are able to do at present. With these new methods and tools, we will be
able to gain a better insight into the collective behaviour of molecules and atoms.
For example, a combination of STEM and Low Energy Electron Microscopy
(LEEM) can enable us to look deeper into aspects of the self-assembly process at
a superficial level.

Another design related to Nanotechnology tools is the "Interfacial Force

Microscope (IFM)", which has the ability to simultaneously measure lateral and
normal forces, regardless whether there is a repulsive or attractive load.

Other important areas of research and development concern Nanotechnology

tools (such as robotic arms and nano-tube tweezers) that have as their main
purpose the moving of molecules from one location to another. The size of these
tools needs to be reduced and computer technologies should be developed further
to become an essential part of the above processes and applications.

There is no doubt that Nanotechnology will be the common technology of the

"not too distant" future, but only for those who are ready to invest their time,
effort and money. This can be done in the form of teaching Nanotechnology,
applying it to various industries and businesses and making people familiar with
it, especially the young generation.
The USA has done a lot in this field; they have even introduced Nanotechnology
as a subject for a number of schools. The hope that the rest of the world will do
the same, and may be do even more, will no doubt bring the benefit much earlier
for those working in this field and hopefully share it with the rest of the world.

Najib Altawell

Altawell © 2008