Nanotechnology - the science of the miniature, and the technology of the
future - is one of the most exciting and wide area of research which may lead
to the greatest technological advances of the 21st century. It is a global
phenomenon and an emerging field, that finds its way into a myriad of industrial
applications spanning across all areas of science and technology. A form of
molecular engineering, it is the technology associated with the creation and
scrutiny of minute objects, measuring between 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology
can be defined as the application of science, engineering and technology to
develop novel materials and devices in different fields in the nano-range.
'Nano' in Greek means dwarf. Nanometer (nm) is a unit of measurement used
to measure very small particles like atoms and molecules. One nanometer is
equal to one-billionth (10-9) of a meter. Entirely different from bulk material,
nano-materials are 5,000 to 50,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human
hair. These light but strong, transparent materials are very active and aggressive
in any chemical reaction. Nano-materials can be mixed with strong or weak
materials to make them thousand times stronger and more efficient. Carbon
and diamond are super examples of nano-materials. The concept of Nanotechnology
originated in 1959 and was founded by the American physicist Richard P Feynmam.
But the term 'Nanotechnology' was first used in 1974 by Japanese scientist
Prof. Norio Taniguchi at the Tokyo Science University. However it was introduced
to the world in 1986 by K. Eric Drexler, an American Engineer and the founder
of Foresight Nanotech Institute.
Nanotechnology is a unique and special branch of science that essentially
combines physics, chemistry, biology, engineering etc. Sometimes known as
molecular manufacturing, it deals with the design and manufacture of extremely
small electronic circuits and mechanical devices built at the molecular level
of matter. The application of Nanotechnology will open new avenues of
research in the world of science and engineering in almost every field, from
medicine to fabrics. Due to this, the relatively new field is fast emerging
as the favorite of all kinds of technological arena and will be one of the
most significant enabling technologies in the future.
Even though the field is popular abroad, it is quite recently that Indian
industries have started realizing the commercial viability of Nanotechnology.
In India, Nanotechnology is at its infancy stage and is targeted towards the
main streams like electronics, healthcare markets, and other industrial products.
Many scientific institutions have been doing Research and Development (R&D)
in this field. The scope and application of Nanotechnology is tremendous and
mind-boggling and it is one of the hottest career option available to Indian
Engineering graduates. It is an apt career for those who have a scientific
bent of mind and a passion for solving mysteries of the minutest molecules.
Students with a science and engineering background and even mathematics with
physics background can pursue Nanotechnology as a career. Candidates with
M.Tech in Nanotechnology are in great demand both in India and abroad.
It is a powerful technology which aids the development of products with futuristic
performance. All major sectors of life will be effected by this new area.
The two major categories of Nanotechnolgy are Nanoscale technology and Molecular
manufacturing. Nanoscale technology covers small structures and can be used
for introducing stronger materials, better medicines, faster computers and
so on. Molecular manufacturing is an attempt at building mechanical and chemical
manufacturing systems that join molecules together.
Eligibility : For pursuing a career in the filed of nanotechnolgy,
the aspirant must have a post graduate qualification in the subject Click
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Job Prospectus and Career Options : The scope and application of nanotechnology
is tremendous and mind-boggling. The career opportunities in the fields of
nanoscale science and technology are... Click
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Remuneration : This field is expected to boom in the future and throw
up a large number of job opportunities with handsome.. Click
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Institutes :
Some of the prominent institutions offering courses in nanotechnology can be had from the following links.. Click
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