What is Nanotechnology? - The Editor's Profile

The Nano World: A Science Frontier for the 21st Century

Shinichiro Yamamura
We are now embarking upon the field of nanotechnology. Like the great age of discovery, when humans set out on oceangoing journeys in search of both adventure and riches, as well as, in the 20th century, space exploration and the quest for new celestial bodies, this is a frontier full of dreams, challenges, and development for the new century. We are looking at a world of just a millionth of a millimeter, yet it is not only this minuscule size that is of interest. This is a miniature world of molecules and atoms governed by a different set of principles, where conventional knowledge and technology no longer apply. On the flip side, it is a world where new technology and new ideas continue to emerge. By learning about nanotechnology, we can pave the way for the future of science and technology.