Studying The Future Prospective Of Nanotechnology Computer Science Essay Example

nanotechnology laboratories. This revolutionary technology will be employed in diagnostic kits, superior water filters and sensors, and drug delivery systems.

The research aims to use nanotechnology to reduce pollution from vehicles. Nanobiosym Inc., a leading US nanotechnology firm, plans to establish India’s first integrated nanotechnology and biomedicine technology park in Himachal Pradesh, considering the promising prospects of nanotechnology in India. Nanotechnology has great potential for making groundbreaking advancements in various fields in the long term. It could be used for cleaning heavily polluted sites, improving cancer diagnosis and treatment, developing cleaner manufacturing methods, and creating smaller and more powerful computers.

Core Chapters

History

Physicist Richard Feynman delivered a talk entitled "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" at an American Physical Society meeting on December 29, 1959. In this talk, he introduced the concept of nano-technology and discussed its application in manipulating individual atoms and molecules using precise tools to create smaller structures. This manipulation enables work at a nano scale. Feynman also addressed scaling challenges that arise from changes in physical phenomena like gravity, surface tension, and Vander Waals attraction.

The term "nanotechnology" was officially defined by Professor Norio Taniguchi of Tokyo Science University in a paper published in 1974. He defined nanotechnology as the processing, separation, consolidation, and deformation of materials at the atomic or molecular level. Dr. K further expanded on the concept during the 1980s.

Eric Drexler, known for promoting the importance of nano-scale phenomena and devices through speeches and books such as "Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology" (1986) and "Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing, and Computation," played a significant role in popularizing the term nano-scale. "Engines of Creation: The Coming

Era of Nanotechnology" is widely regarded as the first book on nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology and nanoscience emerged in the early 1980s with the birth of cluster science and the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). These advancements eventually led to the discovery of fullerenes in 1985 and carbon nanotubes shortly thereafter.

Additionally, there was a parallel development focused on studying the synthesis and properties of semiconductor nanocrystals, resulting in a rapid increase in metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as well as quantum dots.

The atomic force microscope (AFM or SFM) was invented six years after the STM.

The United States National Nanotechnology Initiative, established in 2000, oversees Federal research and development as well as evaluation in nanotechnology.

Fig.1. Buckminsterfullerene C60, also known as the buckyball, is an example of a carbon structure called fullerenes and is extensively studied in nanotechnology.

Current Research

Nanomaterials encompass various subfields that focus on developing and studying materials with unique properties due to their nano-sized dimensions. Interface and colloid science have produced numerous materials applicable to nanotechnology such as carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nanoparticles, and nanorods. The study of nanomaterials with rapid ion transport is also linked to nanoionics and nanoelectronics.

Nanoscale materials have various applications, including bulk and medical ones in nanomedicine. They are also utilized as an alternative to traditional silicon cells in solar cells. Moreover, semiconductor nanoparticles like quantum dots are being developed for display technology, lighting, solar cells, and biological imaging.

There are two main approaches in nanotechnology: top-down and bottom-up. Top-down approaches involve using larger devices to direct the assembly of smaller ones. This technology can create features smaller than 100 nm. Examples include giant magnetoresistance-based hard drives and atomic layer deposition currently available

on the market.

On the other hand, bottom-up approaches focus on arranging smaller components into more complex structures. DNA nanotechnology utilizes Watson-Crick basepairing with DNA and other nucleic acids to construct well-defined structures. Classical chemical synthesis methods aim to design molecules with specific shapes such as bis-peptides.

In a broader sense, molecular self-assembly aims to utilize principles from supramolecular chemistry and molecular recognition to facilitate the spontaneous arrangement of individual molecule components into a functional structure.In 2007, Peter Grunberg and Albert Fert received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their significant advancements in Giant magnetoresistance and their valuable contributions to spintronics. Moreover, the application of solid-state techniques allows the development of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), which are closely associated with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

Atomic force microscope tips can serve as a nanoscale "write head" for depositing chemicals onto a surface in a desired pattern through dip pen nanolithography, a subprocess within the field of nanolithography. Focused ion beams have the ability to remove or deposit materials, depending on the presence of suitable precursor gases. This technique is commonly employed to create sections of materials smaller than 100 nm for analysis using Transmission electron microscopy. Functional approaches aim to develop components with specific functionalities, without considering their assembly. Molecular electronics is a branch focused on creating molecules with advantageous electronic properties.

These could then be used as single-molecule components in a nanoelectronic device. For an example see rotaxane. Synthetic chemical methods can also be used to create synthetic molecular motors, such as in a so-called nanocar.

Biomineralization is one example of the systems studied.Bionanotechnology the use of biomolecules for applications in nanotechnology, including use of viruses.

Tools and Techniques

A microfabricated cantilever with a sharp tip is deflected by features on a sample surface, much like in a phonograph but on a much smaller scale.

Advancements in recent times have made it possible to measure deflection and create surface images using a laser beam that is reflected off the backside of the cantilever and detected by photodetectors. The early versions of scanning probes, such as the atomic force microscope (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM), played a crucial role in the emergence of nanotechnology. Stemming from Marvin Minsky's concept of scanning confocal microscope introduced in 1961, Calvin Quate and his colleagues further developed different types of scanning probe microscopy during the 1970s. These breakthroughs have enabled observation at the nanoscale.

The utilization of a scanning probe tip has the ability to manipulate nanostructures, also known as positional assembly. Rostislav Lapshin proposed the utilization of a Feature-oriented scanning-positioning mescanning acoustic microscope (SAM) as a potential approach to automate these nanomanipulations. Unfortunately, this process remains slow due to the microscope's low scanning velocity. Additionally, various nanolithography techniques have been created such as optical lithography, X-ray lithography, dip pen nanolithography, electron beam lithography, and nanoimprint lithography. Lithography involves reducing the size of a bulk material to create nanoscale patterns using a top-down fabrication technique.

The top-down approach is similar to the manufacturing process, where nanodevices are created in a step-by-step manner. Scanning probe microscopy is crucial for studying and fabricating nanomaterials. Atomic force microscopes and scanning tunneling microscopes can examine surfaces and manipulate individual atoms. By creating different tips

for these microscopes, they can be used to sculpt structures on surfaces and assist in constructing self-assembling structures. Scanning probe microscopy allows for the manipulation of atoms on a surface through techniques like the feature-oriented scanning-positioning approach.

Currently, mass production of nanotechnology is costly and time-consuming but is well-suited for laboratory experimentation.

Nanotechnology's Future

In the next two decades, nanotechnology will become increasingly important as it undergoes four stages of evolution. Currently, nanotechnology is still in its early stages, comparable to computer science in the 1960s or biotechnology in the 1980s. However, it is advancing rapidly. Between 1997 and 2005, governments worldwide invested $432 million in nanotech research and development, a figure that grew to approximately $4.1 billion. By 2005, industry investments surpassed those made by governments. It is predicted that by 2015, products incorporating nanotech will contribute around $1 trillion to the global economy.

Approximately two million individuals will be employed in nanotechnology industries, with an additional three times that number working in supporting roles. Nanotechnology is often defined as concentrating on the extremely small scale of physical features, spanning from atomic size to about 100 molecular diameters. This portrayal might suggest that nanotechnology merely focuses on utilizing considerably smaller components compared to conventional engineering.

Nonetheless, at this scale, rearranging atoms and molecules can lead to the emergence of fresh properties. This represents a shift from the predictable behavior of individual atoms and molecules to the flexible behavior of collective structures.

In summary, nanotechnology can be seen as the utilization of quantum theory and other nano-specific phenomena to effectively manipulate the characteristics and behavior of matter. In the coming decades, nanotech will progress through four interconnected phases of industrial prototyping

and early commercialization. The initial phase, initiated after 2000, focuses on constructing passive nanostructures - materials with stable structures and functions that are commonly integrated into a product. Examples range from zinc oxide particles in sunscreens to reinforcing fibers in new composites or carbon nanotube wires in highly compact electronics.

Starting in 2005, the second stage involves active nanostructures that undergo changes in size, shape, conductivity, or other properties while being used. These particles have the potential to release therapeutic molecules within the body once they have reached specific diseased tissues. Additionally, it is possible to reduce electronic components like transistors and amplifiers into single, complex molecules with adaptive capabilities. By approximately 2010, experts will work on systems of nanostructures that allow them to direct numerous intricate components towards specific objectives.

One possibility is the utilization of guided self-assembly techniques to create three-dimensional circuits and devices using nanoelectronic components. Another potential application is in medicine, where these systems could enhance compatibility of implants with tissues, facilitate tissue regeneration through scaffold creation, or even enable the construction of artificial organs. Beyond 2015-2020, molecular nanosystems are expected to emerge, forming networks composed of molecules and supramolecular structures functioning as distinct devices. While biological systems rely on water and are sensitive to temperature, these molecular nanosystems will offer greater environmental adaptability and improved speed. This advancement could potentially revolutionize the field of computing and lead to significantly smaller computers and robots. Furthermore, there may be ambitious medical applications involving innovative genetic therapies and anti-aging treatments.

The introduction of new interfaces that connect people directly to electronics has the potential to revolutionize the telecommunications industry. Additionally, nanotechnology is expected to bring numerous

benefits to various industrial sectors, healthcare, and the environment. By improving resource efficiency and pollution control methods, nanotech can help in conserving resources and protecting the environment. Nevertheless, it also presents new challenges in terms of risk governance. To address these challenges, it is crucial for international efforts to focus on gathering sufficient scientific information and implementing appropriate regulatory oversight.

The advancement of nanotechnology has led to significant breakthroughs in the fields of electronics, medicine, science, fabrication, and computational studies. It is crucial for the public to have a balanced and realistic understanding of nanotech, while considering its impact on human values and quality of life. This discipline holds immense potential, but it is necessary to ensure that advancements are aligned with societal values.

Future of Nanoelectronics

The recent developments in nanoelectronics have introduced innovative devices that are currently being studied. Although some of these devices have shown promising results comparable to top-performing silicon FETs in experiments, they have not yet exhibited advanced electrical characteristics beyond basic functionality. In the near future, the planar MOSFET, in combination with high-k dielectric materials and strained layer technology, is projected to continue dominating the market. This is because manufacturers are still focused on leveraging their existing manufacturing capabilities and appear hesitant to embrace new technologies.

However, the scaling of double- and multi-gate MOSFET is considered to be better than recent planar MOSFET and UTB FD MOSFET scaling. This makes the double and multi-gate device the ultimate MOSFET. As the double gate MOSFET and non-planar technology mature and risks become more understandable, they are expected to play a larger role in the future. However, there are several fabrication issues that need to be

addressed for all other technologies on the path to standard fabrication. The figure provided by ITRS shows the projected full-scale production for future nanoelectronic devices in the first year, which reflects the level of complexity in fabrication for each technology.

The implementation of new MOSFET structures, such as UTB-SOI MOSFETs and multi-gate MOSFETs, is forthcoming. The next generation devices, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and spin transistors, hold promise due to their demonstrated performance in various research studies. However, these devices face challenges in processing, which delays their mainstream adoption in nanoelectronics.

Fig.2. Projection for the first year of full scale production for future nanoelectronic devices. Nanochips: Currently available microprocessors use resolutions as small as 32 nm. Houses up to a billion transistors in a single chip.

MEMS based nanochips have the potential to have a cell size of 2 nm, allowing for 1TB of memory per chip. You can see an image of a MEMS based nanochip in Figure 3, located at C:UserssudshresDesktopnanochip.jpg. These nanochips utilize Nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) Sensors in Nanophotonic systems, which work with light signals instead of electrical signals found in electronic systems. This enables parallel processing and higher computing capabilities in a smaller chip. Additionally, this technology allows for optical systems to be incorporated into semiconductor chips.

Fig.4 shows a silicon processor that includes an on-chip nanophotonic network. Fuel cells utilize hydrogen and air as fuels and generate water as a byproduct. This technology involves the use of a nanomaterial membrane to create electricity. The image in Fig.5 provides a visual illustration of a PEM fuel cell from energysolutioncenter.org.

Schematic of a fuel cell

Nanoscale materials have feature size less than 100 nm – utilized in nanoscale structures, devices and systems.

Silver Nanoparticles Fig.9. A stadium shaped "quantum corral" made by positioning iron atoms on a copper surface Fig.10. A 3-dimensional nanostructure grown by controlled nucleation of Silicon-carbide nanowires on Gallium catalyst particles. Fig.11.

The use of nanowires in solar cells allows for a surface that can capture more sunlight compared to a flat surface. Additionally, carbon nanotubes have been utilized as fundamental components in various nanotechnology applications since their discovery. While many of these applications are still in the early stages of experimentation, carbon nanotubes hold significant potential in nearly all areas of electronics. One area of particular interest for researchers is the development of highly integrated circuits, where the unique electronic properties of carbon nanotubes are being explored. Current research has already achieved the fabrication of electronic devices with densities that are ten thousand times greater than those found in modern microelectronics.

These technologies will either complement or replace the CMOS. Carbon nanotube-based electronic devices offer advanced features such as conductivity, current carrying capacity, and electromigration. Superior semiconducting carbon nanotubes have been developed, surpassing conventional semiconductors in nobilities and semiconductancies. However, there are major barriers to the development of highly integrated circuits. The current fabrication methods result in a mixture of metallic and semiconductor nanotubes, and the exact arrangement of electronics within a semiconductor nanotube is poorly understood. These obstacles hinder the manufacturing and fabrication of highly integrated circuits.

Nevertheless, continuous research in this field will lead to new and more advanced technology that can overcome these barriers and also unlock new electronic applications.

C:UserssudshresDesktopmr340083.f7-SnO2-TiO2 composite nanoribbon.jpeg

Nanotube

Future of Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine is the application of nanotechnology in medicine, including the cure and repair of bone, muscle, and nerve tissues as well as the treatment of diseases like cancer. Through the utilization of nanotechnology, nanomedicine aims to develop cures for traditionally incurable diseases and provide more effective treatments with fewer side effects by using targeted drug delivery systems. Nanotechnology is revolutionizing vascular imaging and drug delivery methods. Within the next 10 years, nanoscale technologies are expected to deliver significant medical benefits, including the development of diagnostic and drug discovery devices like nanoscale cantilevers for chemical force microscopes, microchip devices, and nanopore sequencing.

The National Cancer Institute also has programs aimed at creating multifunctional entities at the nanometer scale. These entities are designed to diagnose, deliver therapeutic agents, and monitor the progress of cancer treatment. One aspect of these programs involves developing targeted contrast agents that can enhance the resolution of cancer cells at the single cell level. Another aspect is the creation of nanodevices that can address the biological and evolutionary diversity of cancer cells within a tumor. In order for nanotechnology to fully realize its potential in targeted imaging and drug delivery, nanocarriers need to become smarter. This requires a deep understanding of both physicochemical and physiological processes, which form the foundation for the complex interactions between a nanocarrier and its microenvironment.

The text discusses various factors that affect extracellular and intracellular drug release rates in different pathologies, as well as their interaction with the biological milieu, such as

opsonization, and other barriers that hinder delivery to the target site. These barriers can be anatomical, physiological, immunological, or biochemical in nature. Additionally, disease states can offer opportunities for exploiting specific characteristics, such as tissue-specific receptor expression and escape routes from the vasculature.

In the literature, there are numerous examples of utilizing nanoparticles for disease-fighting strategies. In many cases, drug delivery properties are combined with imaging technologies to visually locate cancer cells during treatment. The primary approach involves targeting specific cells by attaching antigens or other biosensors (e.g., RNA strands) to the nanoparticles' surface to detect unique properties of the cell walls.

Once the target cell is found, the nanoparticles adhere to or enter the cell through a specialized mechanism to deliver their payload. If the nanoparticle functions as an imaging agent, doctors can track its progress and determine the distribution of cancer cells. This targeted and detectable approach aids in treating advanced metastatic cancers and inaccessible tumors, while also providing insights into the spread of various diseases. Additionally, it extends the lifespan of certain drugs since they remain within the nanoparticle longer compared to direct injection into the tumor, where the drugs often disperse before effectively eliminating the tumor cells.

Future of Nanoscience

The saying goes that 'without carbon, life cannot exist', and this applies not only to life but also to technological development. Carbon was the definitive material of the 19th century. It facilitated the industrial revolution, allowing for the growth of the steel and chemical industries. Additionally, carbon played a crucial role in powering railways and advancing naval transportation. Likewise, silicon, a fascinating material constituting a quarter of the earth's crust, became the material

of the 20th century.

The development of high performance electronics and photovoltaics has resulted in various fields of applications and has played a crucial role in the advancement of computer technology. This has led to significant changes in our daily lives through increased device performance in information and data processing systems, driving scientific innovations for a new industrial era. However, with this success comes the challenge of handling an ever-growing amount of data, which necessitates a nanoscience approach. This cluster aims to explore different aspects, prospects, and challenges in this area that holds great interest for our future. The intensive investigation of various allotropic forms of carbon reveals their extraordinary and captivating properties, from both fundamental and applied perspectives.

Among the different bonding configurations, the sp2 (fullerenes, nanotubes and graphene) and sp3 (diamond) are particularly interesting due to their exceptional properties compared to other materials. These properties include immense mechanical strength, extreme hardness, resistance to radiation damage, high thermal conductivity, compatibility with biological systems, and superconductivity. For instance, graphene exhibits a unique electronic structure and a high mobility of charge carriers with zero mass that move at a constant velocity similar to photons. Consequently, carbon and carbon-related nanomaterials have become the focus of scientific and technological research.

The main challenges for future understanding encompass the growth of materials, their fundamental properties, and the development of advanced applications. Carbon nanoparticles and nanotubes, graphene, nano-diamonds, and films are currently being explored to address these challenges. They focus on the fundamental properties of these materials and discuss a range of high-tech applications. The text also explores future prospects, difficulties, and challenges related to growth, morphology, atomic and electronic structure, transport properties,

superconductivity, doping, nanochemistry using hydrogen, chemical and bio-sensors, and bio-imaging. These discussions aim to provide readers with an understanding of this fascinating topic and allow them to consider future perspectives.

Foreign Prospect of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology offers a great chance to tackle global challenges, sparking fierce global competition to commercialize a variety of nanotechnology-powered products. Nevertheless, the UK industry is in a strong position to seize this opportunity and contribute to the creation of numerous novel products and services either independently or in partnership with foreign allies. Achieving success in this domain will result in increased employment opportunities and the generation of wealth.

Today, the field of nanotechnology is experiencing growth and development, with some products already on the market while others are still in the developmental stage. This is similar to the early stages of computer science in the 1960s and biotechnology in the 1980s. Over the past decade, nanotechnology has been utilized in various industries, leading to the availability of products in consumer goods, medical applications, plastics and coatings, and electronics.

Multiple market reports have assessed the potential future value of products that incorporate nanotechnology. Lux Research's The Nanotech Report 4th Edition, released in 2006, reveals that nanotechnology was integrated into over $30 billion worth of manufactured goods in 2005. The report predicts that by 2014, approximately $2.6 trillion worth of manufactured goods will include nanotechnology. Regardless of whether this projection is exaggerated, it indicates the existence of a considerable market for nanotechnology-based products. It is crucial for the UK economy that British companies involved in nanotechnology are involved at every stage of the supply chain.

Companies in the nanotechnology industry are quickly developing advanced products, but they are

also recognizing the numerous challenges they face. To address these challenges, a Mini Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT) was formed. This team consisted of members from the NanoKTN and the Materials KTN as the secretariat, along with members from the Chemistry Innovation KTN and the Sensors and Instrumentation KTN. Their goal was to create a report on nanotechnology on behalf of the UK industry. To gather information for this report, a questionnaire was sent to members of these various KTNs, asking for their views on nanotechnology, particularly regarding their commercial position and any concerns or issues they may have. Although the UK Government has commissioned reports and provided responses on nanotechnology over the past decade, it has yet to establish a comprehensive national strategy that can rival those of countries like the US and Germany.

This report, along with other strategic documents such as the Nanoscale Technologies Strategy 2009-2012 produced by the Technology Strategy Board, is intended to make a valuable contribution to a future UK Government Strategy on Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the foundation of numerous commonly used products and has the potential to create a wide range of new and commonplace products in the near future. Like many other countries, the UK has made significant investments in nanotechnology and has explored ways to manage and fund these developments through various reports and Government responses. It was agreed at the third meeting of the Ministerial Group on Nanotechnology that a nanotechnology strategy should be developed for the UK.

On 7th July 2009, Lord Drayson launched a website as part of the strategy development process for nanotechnology. Four Knowledge Transfer Networks (Nanotechnology, Materials, Chemistry Innovation, and Sensors

& Instrumentation) agreed that industry should contribute to policy development using a bottom-up approach. This report, with industry-led views on nanotechnology, aims to contribute to the future UK Government Strategy on Nanotechnology. Input from the Technology Strategy Board and the Research Councils will also be considered. Industry feedback was gathered through a questionnaire and workshop discussions with industry leaders and experts in nanotechnology. The goal was to gather information on current activities and future needs to maximize the value of nanotechnology. Additionally, a comprehensive review of strategic approaches was conducted both domestically and internationally.

This report assesses the current position of the UK in terms of investment relative to its major industrial competitors. Additionally, it evaluates the UK's potential to harness nanotechnology, considering the existing organizations and funding bodies. Recommendations in key areas such as Policy and Regulation, Funding, Skills, and Engagement have been formulated to lay the groundwork for implementation.