Small scale research at the cutting edge
Nanotechnology at Bath University
Science looks set to be scaled down at the University of Bath as a new ??2M purpose-built nanotechnology laboratory has just been formally opened. Nanotechnology is basically science carried out on a very small scale, which scientists hope will potentially revolutionise our lives in the future.
By putting small numbers of atoms and molecules into special patterns, which are not found in nature, scientists hope that they can create materials with novel properties and functions. Medicine, manufacturing and computing could all benefit from this new technology. However, many fear that the technology hides unknown dangers and feel that the scientists, who are developing the new technology, should exercise caution in their work.
Specialised laboratories with ??clean rooms?? are required for nanotechnology. The air must be continually filtered to prevent tiny dust particles contaminating the materials. Since the work is carried out on such a small scale, other factors such as temperature and vibration must also be carefully regulated to prevent adverse effects on the experiments
Specialised instruments are needed to view the nanoparticles and as a result the new lab is equipped for electron beam lithography and atomic force microscopy. However, all of this does not come cheap with costs of around ??2 million.
Two scientists whose work will directly benefit from the new building are Professors Wang-Nang Wang and Simon Bending. Wang is looking at ways of more efficiently producing light which mimics natural sunlight, whereas Bending??s work is aimed at improving transportation and power transmission.
Submitted by: Sharon Kean, 21 July 2004
