Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is any technology that works at the atomic or molecular level. The idea was first proposed by the nobel prize winning physicist Richard Feynman in a lecture entitled "Plenty of Room at the Bottom".^[1].

Nanotechnology is being used in many areas of science. In solid state physics it is being used to engineer the next generation of computer components, which will exploit quantum mechanics in order to perform certain operations much faster than current technology^[2]. In medicine it is being used to develop new and more sophisticated methods of drug delivery^[3]. In engineering carbon nanotubes are being proposed as a strong light material that will be useful in constructing space craft and nano particles are currently in use at St. Pancras Station London as part of the stations self cleaning roof^[4].

There are ways of creating a piece of nanotechnology. The 'Top Down' method involves taking a larger object and removing parts to create a smaller structure similar to creating a statue from a block of stone. 'Bottom Up' nano technology means assembling a object from smaller parts, similar to building a statue out of Lego^{[5] [6]}.

Nanotechnolgy has been the basis for many works of science fiction, such as michael Crichton's 'Prey' and Greg Bears 'Slant'.