Worldwide trends in nanotechnology

The emerging fields of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology - the ability to work at the molecular level, atom by atom, to create large structures with fundamentally new properties and functions - are leading to unprecedented understanding and control over the basic building blocks and properties of all natural and man-made things. Research is now seeking systematic approaches to engineer human-made objects by control at nanoscale to create revolutionary new products and technologies with potential impact to manufacturing industries, electronics and biotechnology, healthcare and environment, and overall quality of life. This presentation outlines the scientific and technological drivers, the specific tools for nanoscale manufacturing, and the main areas of relevance in the next 10-15 years.