Mark Welland Nanoscience Centre University of Cambridge Web: Nano- the smallest technology the greatest challenges Luzern, 20 th April 2004
Richard Feynman, 1960 and 1983 I
Norio Taniguchi, Tokyo Science University, 1971 II
Plasmon wavelength Scanned probe methods Phonon Wavelength 300 K5 K Light Electron Mean Free Path nanometres Molecules Magnetic domain Length scales V
Shape, size and B-H loops 400 Oe 100 Oe 300nm 2.5nm thick Permalloy
SPM
H. Rohrer, IBM
Nanotechnology Enabling technology Ultimate precision to fabricate materials and devices Creation of new materials and devices Learning from life Impacts all technology sectors
Science & Technology- some observations
Scientists divorced from reality Accelerating pace of technology Public scares eg BSE, GM, MMR, human genome Ubiquitous information No such thing as never
Nano- concerns
Is it different to any other technology? Are there any real concerns? Balance present vs future Need to make informed judgements Need to communicate
Environment and health- Nanoparticles
They are not new!…not good enough Are there proven and appropriate toxicology protocols? Balance positive vs negative Consider life cycle analysis Evidence and concerns re toxicity of eg nanotubes and titania
Ethics- Nano-sensing
Combines ubiquitous sensing and ubiquitous information Intrusion of privacy Labelling Stratification of society Insurance
What can scientists do?
Hype is a two edged sword Communicate Broaden education to include some exposure to ethical, societal and environmental issues
“Nanotechnology has given us the tools…to play with the ultimate toy box of nature – atoms and molecules. Everything is made from it….The possibilities to create new things appear limitless” Horst Stormer Lucent Technologies and Columbia University, Nobel Prize winner.