A highly multi, as well as interdisciplinary science, drawing from fields such as colloidal science, device physics and supramolecular chemistry, nanotechnology today is at the centre of the next wave of scientific revolu tion. Covering a broad range of topics, its unifying theme lies in the control of matter on a scale smaller than l micrometer, as well as the fabrication of devices on this same length scale. As such, it possesses great potential to change the way we live in a manifold manner, recasting existing sciences into the nanoscale.
This book is a comprehensi ve introduction to the field of nanotechnology, exploring the science in great depth. Beginning with a brief history of the field, it moves on to examine the nature of this science, taking a detailed look into the topics covered under it, as well as the various inter-related fields. Also under focus rnost prominently, is the various techniques and technologies used, with a detail analysis of the various nanodevices which have been created, and those that are under construction. Current trends and developments have also been assessed. The examination is finished off with an introspection of the various advantages and benefits this science promises to bring forth, and a look into nanoethics, the arena related to the societal and scientific principles of this field.
