Nanotechnology is the study of matter in the dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers. Nanoscience incorporates the usage of this matter to create new technologies and manipulate matter.
The term nanotechnology was coined by Professor Norio Taniguchi in his studies of ultraprecision machinery.
Nano-particles are so small that even light microscopes can't pick up on them. Instead, scanning probe microscopes are used to study these particles.
Some materials are also observed to act differently at the nanoscale. For example, gold at the nanoscale can appear a multitude of colors, including red, yellow, or blue. Some materials, such as aluminum are much more reactive at the nanoscale.
With so many different elements, studying them at the nanoscale can reveal previously unknown behaviors. Scientists believe that harnessing these reactions could be the key to improving existing technologies and creating new solutions to existing issues. Nanotechnolgy has been used to study cures for cancer, which are still being tested.
With nanotechnology, physicists may be able to find ways to increase efficiency, effectiveness of existing inventions. It also opens doors for technological advancement that did not exist before.
References
Analytical, From Hiden, et al. “What Is Nanotechnology and What Can It Do?” AZoNano.com, 15 July 2013, https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1134.
Silva, Gabriel A. “What Is Nanotechnology And How Is It Impacting Neuroscience?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 1 Sept. 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/gabrielasilva/2021/08/23/what-is-nanotechnology-and-how-is-it-impacting-neuroscience/?sh=4e16ca784ef4.
“University of Wisconsin-Madison Materials Research Science and Engineering Center Interdisciplinary Education Group.” What Is Nanotechnology? | Exploring the Nanoworld, https://chem.beloit.edu/edetc/nanotech/index.html.