Introduction to Nanotechnology

by Charles P. Poole Jr., Frank J. Owens

Publisher: Wiley-Interscience
ISBN: 0471079359

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Book Description

Currently receiving vast amounts of research funding from government and industry alike, nanotechnology is the science of matter at the scale of one-billionth of a meter or 1/75,000th the size of a human hair. In addition to the numerous advantages provided by this scale of miniaturization, quantum physics effects at this size range provide additional novel properties. By manipulating atoms at this building-block level, scientists can create stronger, lighter materials with tailored properties.

Combining research from many disciplines, near-future nanotechnology applications involve everything from scratch-proof glass to internal drug delivery systems to a sugar cube—sized computer capable of storing the information from the entire United States Library of Congress.

In this fascinating overview of the field the authors provide broad coverage of nanotechnology and its applications, with an eye toward giving researchers in different areas an appreciation of nanotechnological developments outside their own fields of expertise. Rather than focusing on the latest developments in nanotechnology, the authors use representative examples of research in many fields to focus on the diversity of its applications. Included is coverage of:

• Carbon nanostructures
• Organic compounds and polymers
• Bulk nanostructured materials
• Self-assembly
• Nanostructured ferromagnetism
• Catalysis
• Optical and vibrational spectroscopy
• Biological materials
• Quantum wells, wires, and dots
• Nano machines and devices

Book Reviews

"…well written and nicely illustrated…offers a large amount of useful information to those who want to be introduced to the nanotechnologies…" (Clinical Chemistry, Vol. 50, No. 2, May 2004)

"The book has achieved its goal of providing a summary and commentary on this subject." (JOM, February 26, 2004)

"…the authors have achieved their aims and have hit the right tone and level of treatment…should also be suitable for advanced students…who are interested in the field…" (Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2004/43)

"…a fascinating overview of nanotechnology and its applications. It offers a complete picture of the diversity of the technology's applications." (International Journal of General Systems, December 2003)

"…nicely designed, highly readable, and stylistically coherent…a superb addition to an already first-class lineup of contemporary textbooks on nanotechnology…" (Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Issue 32:02)

"...an introduction and overview of this innovative and increasingly important area of research..." (Materials Evaluation, August 2003)

"...wonderful introductory overview...an invaluable interdisciplinary look at the science of miniaturization and mesoscopic materials...an important resource for technical administrators and managers, as well as students and individuals..." (Polymer News)

About the Author

CHARLES P. POOLE Jr., PhD, a professor emeritus in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of South Carolina is a member of the USC nanotechnology center.

FRANK J. OWENS, PhD, is a senior research scientist of the U.S. Army?s Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center, and a professor of physics in the graduate school of Hunter College of the City University of New York. Both authors are Fellows of the American Physical Society.

Customer Reviews

I started reading this book trying to get a good initial grip on the notions and progress made in nanotechnology. This book helped me exactly as I wanted. Very clearly written it takes you through a wide range of topics and in the end one manages to form a pretty good idea about development in one area or another of this very multiform field and, more importantly, gives a sense of where to go and what to expect from a certain branch.

Overall is a good starter and a valuable guide in nanotechnology.

Perhaps this book would suffice as a surface reference, but it should not be used as the primary text for any course. The coverage is sparse at best, and it seems unlikely that anyone who didn't already understand the topics covered could do so with this book alone.

Perhaps it serves a purpose, but it cannot be used extensively.