Definition

nanoscale technology

Part of the Hardware glossary:

Nanoscale technology is a branch of nanotechnology in which standard size tools are used to manufacture simple structures and devices with dimensions on the order of a few nanometer s or less, where one nanometer (1 nm) is equal to a billionth of a meter (10 -9 m). Nanoscale technology encompasses all of nanotechnology except molecular manufacturing , which involves the use of nanoscale (extremely small) tools to build structures, devices, and systems at the molecular level.

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Nanotechnology has potential benefits in a number of fields, including water purification, sanitation, agriculture, alternative energy (particularly photovoltaics ), home and business construction, computer manufacturing, communications, and medicine. Nanotechnology is also considered to pose risks, including economic disruption, misuse by people or organizations with nefarious intent, evolution of extreme governmental regulation, controversies over morality, and damage to the environment.

This was last updated in September 2005
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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Glossaries

  • Hardware

    - Terms related to computer hardware, including definitions about cables, connectors and power supply units and words and phrases about computing peripheral devices including the keyboard, mouse, au...

  • Nanotechnology

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  • Microprocessors

    - Terms related to microprocessors, including definitions about silicon chips and words and phrases about computer processors.

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