technical terms - Nanotechnology

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering, and application of materials and devices with structures and properties at the nanoscale, typically less than 100 nanometers. It encompasses a wide range of techniques used to manipulate and control matter at this extremely small scale.

What is a Nanometer?

A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter (10-9 meters). To put this into perspective, a single strand of human hair is approximately 80,000-100,000 nanometers wide.

What is a Quantum Dot?

Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor particles that have quantum mechanical properties. They exhibit unique electronic characteristics, such as discrete quantized energy levels, which make them useful in applications like quantum computing, bio-imaging, and displays.

What is a Nanoparticle?

A nanoparticle is a small particle that ranges in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanoparticles can be made from various materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers, and have diverse applications in medicine, electronics, and energy.

What is Self-Assembly?

Self-assembly refers to the process by which molecules and particles spontaneously organize into structured arrangements without external guidance. This phenomenon is crucial in nanofabrication and the creation of complex nanostructures.

What is a Carbon Nanotube?

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures composed of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. They possess extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties and are used in applications ranging from composite materials to electronics.

What is Nano-lithography?

Nano-lithography is a method for creating patterns at the nanoscale. Techniques such as electron-beam lithography and nanoimprint lithography enable the fabrication of intricate nanostructures for use in microelectronics and other fields.

What is a Nanosensor?

Nanosensors are sensors that detect physical, chemical, or biological signals at the nanoscale. They are used in a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and industrial process control.

What is Surface Plasmon Resonance?

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a phenomenon that occurs when light causes electrons on a metal surface to oscillate, producing a resonant wave. This principle is widely used in biosensors and optical devices.

What are Fullerenes?

Fullerenes are a class of carbon nanomaterials composed of carbon atoms arranged in a spherical, tubular, or ellipsoidal shape. The most famous fullerene is buckminsterfullerene (C60), which resembles a soccer ball and has unique chemical and physical properties.

What is the Role of Nanotechnology in Medicine?

In medicine, nanotechnology is revolutionizing areas such as drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering. Nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver drugs directly to diseased cells, minimizing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy.

What is a Nanoelectromechanical System?

Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are devices that integrate electrical and mechanical functionalities on the nanoscale. They have applications in sensing, actuation, and signal processing.

What are the Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology?

While nanotechnology offers numerous benefits, it also raises concerns about environmental impact. The potential toxicity and ecological effects of nanoparticles are areas of active research, with efforts focused on understanding and mitigating any negative consequences.