NANO TECHNOLOGY

Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices and systems through control of matter on the nanometer length scale (1-100 nanometers), and exploitation of novel phenomena and properties (physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical...) at that length scale. For comparison, 10 nanometers is 1000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. A scientific and technical revolution has just begun based upon the ability to systematically organize and manipulate matter at nanoscale. Payoff is anticipated within the next 10-15 years.

Advanced miniaturization is a key thrust area to enable new science and exploration missions - Ultrasmall sensors, power sources, communication, navigation, and propulsion systems with very low mass, volume and power consumption are needed Revolutions in electronics and computing will allow reconfigurable, autonomous, "thinking" spacecraft Nanotechnology presents a whole new spectrum of opportunities to build device components and systems for entirely new space architectures - Networks of ultrasmall probes on planetary surfaces - Micro-rovers that drive, hop, fly, and burrow - Collection of microspacecraft making a variety of measurements

Some areas of nano technology used in are:
c arbon nanotube (CNT) based electronics device structures CNT - mechanical properties Chemical functionalization of nanotubes, sensors CNT based composites, high heat flux and thermal protection systems Design of CNT-based mechanical components CNTs for hydrogen and fuel storage Chemistry and process modeling of nanotube and nanowire growth, production Boron nitride nanotubes

Electronic transport in DNA systems Inorganic nanowires: electronic, thermal properties Nanopores in gene sequencing, polymer translocation through nanopores Chemical storage of data Atomic chain electronics Development of multidimensional quantum simulators to design ultrasmall semiconductor devices Physics of novel devices Modeling of optoelectronic devices, VCSELs, nanolasers , Optical interconnect modeling , THz Modulation Optical Data Storage Systems Quantum Computing