Design Nanotechnology Space
Matt Osius, Shiva Ramaswamy November 10th, 2004
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Definitions
SCU The smallest complete, controllable and significant unit which contributes to the functionality of the process at the nanoscale. Size Scale The average size of the SCU. Scale: [0,) nm Dimensions Controlled The number of dimensions controlled in the manufacturing process. Scale: 0-3 Example: Ball milling (0 controlled) Degrees of Freedom The number of attributes the SCU can control. Scale: 0 + Example: Insulation protein can envelop nanoparticles and leave it's "holder" open or closed on demand. Assembly Reliability The reliability of perfect duplication. Scale: [0,1] Example: Ball milling ( 0) and photolithography ( 1) Active Whether the SCU, by any means, causes a change in a separate atom that involves a change or movement of a particle not including an electron, photon or phonon. Scale: Active/Passive Macro Infrastructure Size How closing the SCU's can be packed or the largest factor when it comes to the size of the infrastructure needed to run the nanotech. Scale: [0,) nm Self Replication Self-explanatory Scale: Yes/No
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Other Definitions
State of the Art How close the technology is to being completely commerciable. Commerciable is when it can be mass manufactured and profitable. Scale: 1-4 1. 2. Theory Prototype 3. Manufacturable 4. Commercial Use Tool a macro scale device that manipulates at a nano level Example: AFM Device a manufactured nanoscale object Example: CNT Nano tool a nanoscale device that can function as a tool Example: self-replicating nano machine (theoretical) Asembly Method Bottom-up Lowest level components made first and combined into higher level components Example: SAMs Top-down Approach which takes a larger block of material and whittles away what isn't needed Example: Ball milling Combination A process which uses both forms of creation Example: Photolithography Bio-Integration Whether or not the SCU has the ability to interact with naturally occurring or commercial biological materials. Scale: Yes/No Self Replication Self-explanatory Self Replication Self-explanatory
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Evaluations
Nano-Technitude
1. Size scale 2. Dimensions controlled 3. Assembly reliability 4. Active
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Danger Metric
1. Active 2. Biological integration 3. Size scale 4. Use
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Applications
1. Medical diagnosis 2. Optics 3. Increasing mechanical strengths (ex. Light bullet proof vest, stronger textiles, stronger bricks) 4. Sensors (gas detection, gas classification)
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What is Nanotechnology?
The technology that pertains to the controlled manufacturing or application at the nanoscale.
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