Commentary

Nanomaterials hold Great Promise   George N. Maracas   Motorola Labs   Email:

The societal success of a technology has been measured by its introduction into products that are accepted in the marketplace. Nanomaterials hold great promise because their structural, electronic and photonic properties can be controlled over a wide range and combined to realize multifunctional materials. Such flexibility has enabled many applications such as lighter, stronger building materials, wrinkle-resistant clothing, sports equipment, cosmetics, efficient drug delivery, nonvolatile magnetic memories, energy sources, bright displays, paints and small, sensitive sensors to mention a few. Development of nanotechnology-based communications devices will be profound.

Such developments are possible because of the recent increased worldwide visibility (from the National Nanotechnology Initiative, etc.) and investment in nanotechnology in National Labs, Universities, large corporations and startup companies. The effect of this is accelerated scientific discovery and timely transition to products. These are indeed interesting times for society as nanotechnology is becoming pervasive and soon will be in things that we touch every day.

Nano and Giga Challenges in Electronics and Photonics will be an excellent forum to learn about status and directions of nanotechnology activities and how close to products the technology is. Nanotechnology can have a big impact in Arizona and I look forward to discussing this with you. See you there.