Mankind's Road to Nano-World

Gyulai, Jozsef

Nanoscience and nanotechnology began with the exploration of the limits to the miniaturisation of computers. Soon, however, it became clear that in this quest, the co-operation of almost all branches of science were required. This makes it one of the most multi-disciplinary fields of science.
The lecture gives an overview of the science while answering questions such as where nano-technology stands today, what has been achieved and the opportunities that exist. It also touches upon the solutions nanoscience can provide to the energy problems of mankind. We are introduced to the operation of some high-tech devices, which allow for atomic-size research, and the manipulation of the individual atoms.
Prominence is given to the description of the production of nano-sized tools, since the creation and mass production of the tiny devices presented would be unthinkable without them.
Possibly the most important role of nanoscience in the 21^st century may be to attempt to understand the survival methods of mankind, the system of close-cycle production and consumption.

About the lecturer