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What is nano?
Nano-technology (greek. νάννος [nános] = dwarf) is the name for the research in
- cluster physics and surface physics,
- semiconductor physics ,
- areas of chemistry
- The so far very limited subranges of mechanical engineering.
This popular-scientific comprehensive term bases on the magnitude of the single atom, all nano-research areas subordinate a structural size of 100 nanometers (Nm). A nanometer is a billionth meter (10-9 m).
Today the nano-materials, which are manufactured mostly in a chemical way or with mechanical methods, already play an important role. Some of them are commercially available and used in commercial products, others are important model systems for the physicochemical and material-scientific research.
One trend of the nano-technology is continuing and extending the micro technology (“top down approach”) - but a further reduction of micrometer structures usually requires completely unorthodox new beginnings. Chemistry often goes the other way in the nano-technology: “bottom up”. Chemists, who usually work in molecular, i.e. sub-nano dimensions, compose larger nano-scaled molecule groups out of a multiplicity of individual molecule units. An example for that are Dendrimeres.
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