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Introduction

Molecular nanotechnology or Nanotechnology is the name given to a specific sort of manufacturing technology to build things from the atom up, and to rearrange matter with atomic precision. In other words, we can say that nanotechnology is a three dimensional structural control of material and devices at molecular level. The nanoscale structures can be prepared, characterized, manipulated, and even visualized with tools.

“Nanotechnology is a tool-driven field."

Other terms, such as molecular engineering or molecular manufacturing are also often applied when describing this emerging technology. This technology does not yet exist. But, scientists have recently gained the ability to observe and manipulate atoms directly. However, this is only one small aspect of a growing array of techniques in nanoscale science and technology. The ability to make commercial products may yet be a few decades away.

“Nanotechnology is Engineering, Not Science.”

The central thesis of nanotechnology is that almost any chemically stable structure that is not specifically disallowed by the laws of physics can in fact be built. Theoretical and computational models indicate that molecular manufacturing systems are possible — that they do not violate existing physical law. These models also give us a feel for what a molecular manufacturing system might look like. Melting pot of science combining applications of physics, chemistry, biology, electronics and computers. Today, scientists are devising numerous tools and techniques that will be needed to transform nanotechnology from computer models into reality.

Nanotechnology is often called the science of the small. It is concerned with manipulating particles at the atomic level, usually in order to form new compounds or make changes to existing substances. Nanotechnology is being applied to problems in electronics, biology, genetics and a wide range of business applications.

Matter is composed of small atoms that are closely bound together, making up the molecular structure, which, in turn determines the density of the concerned material. Since different factors such as molecular density, malleability, ductility and surface tension come into play, nanosystems have to be designed in a cost effective manner that overrides these conditions and helps to create machines capable of withstanding the vagaries of the environment.

Let us take the case of metals. Metals, solids in particular, consist of atoms held together by strong structural forces, which enable metals to withstand high temperatures. Depending upon the exertion of force or heat, the molecular structure bends in a particular fashion, thereby acquiring a definite space in the form of a lattice structure. When the bonding is strong, the metal is able to withstand pressure. Else it becomes brittle and finally breaks up. So, only the strongest, the hardest, the highest melting point metals are worth considering as parts of nanomachines.

The trick is to manipulate atoms individually and place them exactly where needed, to produce the desired structure. It is a challenge for the scientists to understand the size, shape, strength, force, motion and other properties while designing the nano machines. The idea of nanotechnology is therefore to master over the characteristics of matter in an intelligent manner to develop highly efficient systems.

The key aspect of nanotechnology is that nanoscale materials offer different chemical and physical properties than the bulk materials, and that these properties could form the basis of new technologies.

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