The term "Nano" is derived from Greek (nánnos), means "dwarf" and is used short for one billionth. The metric system defines nano as the billionth of a meter (10-9
m = 1 nm = 1 millimicron). A nanometer equals a piece of metal with the
length of four individual atoms next to each other and is ca.
2,000-times thinner than a human hair. The nanocosmos thus is located
in the realm of individual atoms and molecules. Gain a “small” insight into this incredibly tiny world by starting the animation…
In
the nanocosmos, nothing can be seen with an ordinary light microscope,
since the wavelength of the visible light is much too "coarse" to
reveal the fine nano structures. The nano images in the animation,
therefore, were made with the help of a scanning tunneling microscope
that scans the surface with a very fine needle and provides
three-dimensional data which can be converted into these fabulous
pictures.
Nanotechnology, not without good reason is referred to as the key technology of the 21st
century, covers all technologies dealing with the production,
manipulation and examination of items and structures smaller than 100
nanometers. Contrary to micro technology, nanotechnology is located on
a borderline, where, for one thing, surface characteristics as opposed
to volume characteristics, of materials gain importance and for another
thing quantum physical effects must increasingly be considered.
Quantum physics - what the hell is that? Here's a little thought experiment: If
quantum physics also ruled our everyday life, this would be a disaster
for all football fans. A ball flying directly into the arms of goal
keeper could, with a certain probability, "tunnel through" him, since
quantum physics follow totally different rules than our macroscopic
world.
Nanotechnology actually is not new;
it has been used by nature since the beginning of life, because every
cell is a biological nano machine, producing complex structures from
the smallest nano parts. Not until than in the last two decades,
however, has science managed to intrude into the nanocosmos and steal
the one or two secrets.
And what is it all good for? The
applications of nanotechnology have already today conquered almost
every area of life, from antirust protection to dirt-resistant bathroom
tiles, from car tires to computer chips or from deodorant to therapy
methods against brain cancer - learn more about it on the next page. further>
