This course explores nanotechnology, the science of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular scale (typically 1 to 100 nanometers), where materials exhibit unique chemical, physical, and biological behaviors due to quantum effects and high surface-area-to-volume ratios. We trace the field's evolution from ancient craftsmanship, such as the color-changing Lycurgus Cup, to the theoretical foundation laid by Richard Feynman and the 1980s invention of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope, which first allowed scientists to "see" and move individual atoms. By April 2026, the field has transitioned into a massive horizontal enablement layer with a global market valuation exceeding $123 billion, serving as the foundational engine for modern semiconductors, high-performance energy storage, and aerospace engineering.

Students  ...