Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How does nanotechnology manipulate atoms and small groups of atoms?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
nanotechnology
Examples from biological and mechanical realms illustrate various “orders of magnitude” (powers of 10), from 10−2 meter down to 10−7 meter.
Nanotechnology involves the manipulation and manufacture of materials at the scale of atoms or small groups of atoms, typically measured in nanometres. Researchers employ two primary strategies to achieve this control:1
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
- Top-Down Strategy: This involves miniaturizing current technologies to create structures with long-range order and macroscopic connections.2
- Bottom-Up Strategy: Also known as self-assembly, this approach uses chemical or physical forces to build complex structures atom by atom or by assembling basic units. This method is inspired by biological systems, which harness chemical forces to create intricate structures. Techniques include the condensation of atomic vapours, the use of DNA-assisted assembly to direct attachments between objects, and the growth of structures like quantum dots or carbon nanotubes.23
Tools for Manipulation
Specialized tools are essential for working at this scale. The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is a pivotal instrument that allows scientists to image individual atoms. Beyond imaging, the STM can be used to move atoms across a surface by applying a bias voltage to the probe tip, enabling the precise placement of individual atoms. Additionally, molecular beam epitaxy enables the controlled deposition of single atomic layers.45