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Nanotechnology

February 2002

The Potential of Nanotechnology. Science and technology on the scale of a nanometer--one billionth of a meter--is revolutionary. Nanotechnology refers to the ability to manipulate individual atoms and molecules, making it possible to build machines on the scale of human cells or create materials and structures from the bottom up, building in desired properties. Nanotechnology could change the way almost everything is designed and made, from medicines to computers to automobile tires to objects not yet imagined.

A National Priority. Nanotechnology is at an exploratory stage. Long-term, fundamental research is needed to discover new phenomena, understand the basic building blocks, develop processes and tools at the nanoscale, create innovative technologies, and educate and train a new workforce. Federal investment is critical to reaching these national goals.

The Administration's Commitment. The National Nanotechnology Initiative, announced in January 2000, is an effort led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to strengthen critical scientific disciplines and encourage interdisciplinary research and education.

The Federal Budget. The federal budget for fiscal 2002 includes $604 million for nanotechnology research and development, $199 million of it for NSF. In fiscal 2003, $710 million is requested, including $221 million for NSF. Other agencies supporting nanotechnology include the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy and Justice; the Environmental Protection Agency; the National Institutes of Health; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

NSF Support. NSF has fostered the development of nanoscale science and engineering through investments in:

• The research of individual investigators and small interdisciplinary teams. About 1,000 projects involving 4,000 faculty and students are supported in fiscal 2002.
• More than 15 large science and technology, engineering research and materials research centers in core research areas.
• Instrumentation and facilities such as the National Nanofabrication Users Network, which provides access to advanced technologies. Five university-based research hubs are focused on electronics, biology, advanced materials, optoelectronics and nanoscale computer simulation.
• Small business initiatives.

NSF's support spans multiple disciplines and is distributed across five directorates. The agency leads the National Nanotechnology Initiative and the National Science and Technology Council's Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology. Together they are developing a long-term vision, establishing federal priorities and coordinating implementation of the national program.

NSF's Goals. NSF is focusing its growing investment on seven interrelated areas of nanoscale science and engineering:

• Biosystems at the nanoscale - the relationship among chemical composition, shape and function.
• Nanoscale structures, novel phenomena and quantum control - how to overcome existing limits to miniaturization.
• Device and system architecture - integrating nanoscale devices into measurement and control assemblies.
• Nanoscale processes in the environment - new approaches to trapping and releasing nutrients and contaminants, including interactions with microbes.
• Multi-scale, multi-phenomena modeling and simulation at the nanoscale - needed to understand, control and accelerate the development of new nanoscale processes and regimes.
• Nanoscale manufacturing - the creation of devices and systems at the nanoscale.
• Societal implications and education and training of the workforce.

Potential Outcomes. Applications of nanotechnology could include:

• Materials - desirable properties such as high strength, chemical sensing or optical switching designed in from the start.
• Information technology - quantum computing and computer chips that store trillions of bits of information on a pin-head device.
• Medical - improved drug and gene delivery, biocompatible materials for implants and nanoscale sensors for detection of disease.
• Environmental - water purification, artificial photosynthesis of clean energy and pollution control systems.

For more information see: http://www.nsf.gov/nano

 
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