Emerging Technology Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Emerging Technology - Term Paper Example This paper talks about the meaning, history, application, and limitations among other aspects of nanotechnology. Definition, Meaning and History of Nanotechnology Nanotechnology is basically defined as engineering that deals with functional systems at a molecular scale. It can also be defined as the ability of the engineers to make new attributes by controlling features at a nanometre scale (Davies 1). This is the technology that has been used to manufacture the microsystems which have reduced voluminous devices into modern day small devices. Nanotechnology is not only able to produce small devices but also devices which produce minimal waste (Davies 1). Although nanotechnology has gained momentum in the second half of the 20th century, it was James Clerk Maxwell who first toyed with the idea in 1967 (Knol 3). He had called for an experiment of small entities with an aim of handling person molecules. Richard Adolf Zsigmondy became the first person to use nanometer to characterize par ticle sizes in 1914. Modern nanotechnology was suggested by Richard Feynman in 1959 (Knol 2). He brought forth the notion of constructing devices and machines in molecular scale. Gordon Moore went ahead to predict how modern day circuitry would look like in 1965. He did this through his rule which has been practical for 50 years. The nanotechnology applied today was defined by Tokyo Science University lecturer, Norio Taniguchi in 1974 (Knol 3). He defined nanotechnology as the process involving separation, consolidation, and deformation of supplies by use of one molecule or atom. This was followed by discoveries such as the Finns’ atomic layering process. Recognition of this process by the entire scientific community put nanotechnology on the map. Application of nanotechnology was first done by Eric Drexler, a famous nanotechnological scientist, using the idea of molecular manufacturing (Knol 4). He argued that molecules would be a tight collection of marbles if atoms were ta ken to be marbles as represented in figure 1. This saw the molecules become standard scaled tools. These nanoscale tools worked in the same way as their significant counterparts irrespective of their size. The bonds between atoms could hold them together to form parts of nano machines. Drexler had visualized that these nano bots would be used as assemblers so as to place atoms into any desired shape. Drexler went ahead to argue that coal could be modified to diamond and computer chips could be formed from sand. He also explained that the process of manufacturing goods would be quickened by reorganizing the atoms that make them. This ignited the minds of many scientist who consequently devoted their time to develop nanotechnology and its applications we they are seen today. Fig. 1: Tight collection of marbles/atoms Courtesy of hplusmagazine.com Recent Business Applications of Nanotechnology Nanotechnology has had widespread applications in all sectors of the economy. Due to its prove d success in the manufacture of nanometer scale products, it has attracted all industries. Currently, it is the leading in production and application of