Thomas C. Isabell, Ph.D.
Assistant TEM Product Manager
JEOL USA

Thomas F. Kelly, Ph.D.
Founder, Chairman, and CTO
Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation

Rodney S. Ruoff, Ph.D.
John Evans Professor of Nanoengineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Northwestern University

Michael N. Thompson, Ph.D.
Business Development Manager, Nanotechnology, FEI Company

Technology development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular range is becoming useful in creating and using structures, devices, and systems that have novel properties.  Advances are being made in protein synthesis, molecular engineering, and micro-computing. Nanotechnology is creating a set of tools and processes that will enable the synthesis of materials and structures at the atomic level.

Examples of current nano- and biotechnology applications are:

• Nanocomposites are strong and light-weight, as well as scratch and corrosion-resistant for aerospace and automotive applications.
• Metal nanocrystals are highly resistant to abrasion and wear.
• Nanocrystals are ideal light harvesters in photovoltaic devices (solar cells) since they readily absorb sunlight.
• Metal nanohydrides are promising means for hydrogen storage.
• Nanomaterials are being applied to nuclear energy applications and batteries for hybrid cars.
• Nanoparticles are used in stain-repellent clothing.
• Nanopolymer dispersions are found in paints, coatings, and adhesives.
• Sunscreen utilizing nanoparticles is extremely effective at absorbing light, especially in the ultra-violet (UV) range.
• Nanotubes are being utilized in next-generation microelectronic devices.  They are also useful everywhere strength and weight are a factor, such as in the aerospace, automobile, aircraft, and sporting equipment industries.
• Nanocatalysts promote a variety of chemical reactions taking place on the surface of the catalyst, resulting in high efficiency and resource-savings.
• Nanofiltration products are useful for sterilization of biological, pharmaceutical and medical serums, protein separation, and biological warfare detectors.
• Nanosensors have applications in transportation, communications, building and facilities, medicine, safety, and national security, including both homeland defense and military operations.
• Nanotechnology is having a significant impact on the drug delivery sector, affecting every route of administration including oral, injectable, and implantable delivery mechanisms.

Properties controlling material behavior need to be understood at the nano and sub-nano (atomic) scales.  Electron microscopy is extremely well positioned to take advantage of expansion of nanotechnology applications since the use of electron optics is the only practical means of imaging nanoscale structures.

Thank you to all our sponsors!! Relevant Links Institute of Nanotechnology Stirling University Park Stirling, UK http://www.nano.org.uk Journal of Nanoengineering & Nanosystems http://bucky-central.mech.northwestern.edu/ Medilink West Midlands Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3BE http://www.MedilinkWM.co.uk Nanotech-now http://www.nanotech-now.com/news.cgi?story_id=16443 Foresight Nanotech Institute http://www.foresight.org/news/index.html