The Nature of Nanotechnology

Abstract Chapter 2 defines the expressions “Nanoscience” and “Nanotechnology” on a strictly scientific base. Various examples are used to illustrate the development from a scientific discovery via an engineering step to a final technology. “Molecular Motors and Machines”, “Molecular Switches” as well as “Single Electron Memories” are examples that are still exclusively objects of basic research, whereas “Drug Delivery” already reached the status of Nanoengineering. The “Gene Chip” is used as an example that is still object of research in basic nanoscience, but at the same time is already of interest in the nanoengineering step and has partially even reached the technology status. “Hyperthermia” and “Gas Sensors” have left the field of fundamental research and have developed to engineering as well as to technology. Chapter 2 closes with some examples belonging to the field of “Technology on the Nanoscale” which is, however, often but wrongly called “Nanotechnology”.