What is Nanoscience?

Nanotechnology is a field of applied science and technology covering a broad range of topics. The main unifying theme is the control of matter on a scale smaller than 1 micrometre , normally approximately 1 to 100 nanometers, as well as the fabrication of devices of this size. It is a highly multidisciplinary field, drawing from fields such as applied physics , materials science , colloidal science, device physics , supramolecular chemistry , and even mechanical and electrical engineering . Much speculation exists as to what new science and technology may result from these lines of research. Nanotechnology can be seen as an extension of existing sciences into the nanoscale, or as a recasting of existing sciences using a newer, more modern term. (Source: Wikipedia )

Two main approaches are used in nanotechnology. In the "bottom-up" approach, materials and devices are built from molecular components which assemble themselves chemically by principles of molecular recognition . In the "top-down" approach, nano-objects are constructed from larger entities without atomic-level control. The impetus for nanotechnology comes from a renewed interest in colloidal science, coupled with a new generation of analytical tools such as the atomic force microscope (AFM), and the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Combined with refined processes such as electron beam lithography and molecular beam epitaxy , these instruments allow the deliberate manipulation of nanostructures, and led to the observation of novel phenomena. (Source: Wikipedia )

Nanotechnology Timeline (source: Northwestern University )

DiscoverNANO at Northwestern University
Nanotechnology presents as one of the most exciting and promising scientific advancements of our generation. This website provides a comprehensive, non-scientific explanation of what nanotechnology is, how it developed, and what it holds for the future.

NanoEd Resource Portal
Resource & research network for information dissemination within NSEE community. Offers free courses and seminars related to nanoscale science and engineering education. The collection includes materials produced for faculty, college students, and 7-12 teachers.

Nanoscale Informal Science Education (NISE)
A national community of researchers and informal science educators dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

Nanoscience and Technology Institute
Chartered with the promotion and integration of nano and other advanced technologies through education, technology and business development and accomplishes this mission through its offerings of continuing education programs, scientific and business publishing and community outreach.

National Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NCLT)
Established in October 2004 to develop the next generation of leaders in nanoscale science and engineering teaching and learning, with an emphasis on NSEE capacity building, providing a strong impact on national science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI)
Established in fiscal year 2001 to coordinate Federal nanotechnology research and development and provides a vision of the long-term opportunities and benefits of nanotechnology. By serving as a central locus for communication, cooperation, and collaboration for all Federal agencies that wish to participate, the NNI brings together the expertise needed to guide and support the advancement of this broad and complex field.

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