Nanotechnology

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“     We are placing bets on things we can do uniquely well.

      First, new ways to power the world.
      Second, molecular medicine.
      And third, nanotechnology.    ”  
                                    - Jeff Immelt, CEO, General Electric

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What is Nanotech ?

NanoTechnology – Art and science of manipulating atoms and molecules to create new systems, materials, and devices.

Nanomeasurement – Size 

Nanomanipulation – Building from the bottom up.

Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers where unique phenomenon enable novel applications.

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How Big is a Nano ?

• Nano = 1 Billionth; 100,000 x’s smaller than the diameter of a human hair.

Examples of Nano Scale.

• A cubic micron of water contains about 90 billion atoms. A micron is one thousandth of a millimeter, and a thousand times larger than a nanometer.
• Another way to visualize a nanometer: 1 inch = 25,400,000 nanometers

Nanotech Based Applications

• A 64 bit computer is roughly 18 Billion times as powerful as a 64 bit binary. What would take a Pentium class digital computer pulling 2 billion calculations per second to solve a 64 bit encryption key (292 years) a 64 bit computer could do it in one operation.
• Moore’s law is reaching its limit. Silicon based chips are predicted to hit their size limit by 2007. What now takes a MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor 1000 electrons to switch on and off, quantum dot based SET’s can do with a single electron.
• Benefits- tens or hundreds of times more efficient and Much, much faster.
• IBM and Hewlett Packard Both will launch products late in 2003 that will give 40x’s more storage capacity than the most advanced chips in 2002.

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Disruptive Materials Applications

• Fiber that is stronger than spider web.
• Metal 100 x’s stronger than steel, 1/6 weight.
• Catalysts that respond more quickly and to more agents.
• Plastics that conduct electricity.
• Coatings that are nearly friction-less –(Shipping Industry).
• Materials that change color and transparency on demand.
• Materials that are self repairing, self cleaning, and never need repainting.
• Nano-scale powders that are five times as light as plastic but provide the same radiation protection as metal.

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Disruptive Energy Applications

• Fuel cell technology becomes cost effective within 3 years. 
• Batteries that store more energy and are much more efficient.
• Plastics and paints that will store solar power and convert to energy for $1 per watt.

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Disruptive Computing Applications

• Silicon is hitting its size limit, Moore’s law reaches maximum in 2007.
• Super Chips –Combination of Silicon and Gallium Arsenic create wireless chips.
• Plastic semiconductors manufactured by regular printing devices – cheaply produced.
• Electronic Paper.

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Disruptive Bio Medicine Applications

• Cosmetics that can penetrate the skin.
• Cures for Aids, Cancers, Alzheimer's, Diabetes.
• Ability to view cells In vivid - Fast Drug Creation.
• Nano materials that can see inside vessels for plaque buildup.
• Technology that can re-grow bone and organs.
• Nano Sensors for disease detection – 10 x’s faster and 100,000 x’s more accurate.
• Nano filters will help create impurity free drugs.

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Obstacles and Hurdles

• Mass Production/Throughput and Cost Constraints.
• Funding Requires Long-Term Investments.
• Intellectual Property Issues - Patent Office that is Overwhelmed and Under-Qualified

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Technology Momentum

• "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." (Ken Olsen, Digital Equipment Corp, 1977) 
• "Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." (Popular Mechanics, 1949)
• "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." (IBM's Thomas Watson, 1943)