Introduction to Nanotechnology

In this highly interdisciplinary series of lectures spanning across Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, an introduction to the subject of nanotechnology is provided. The most important recent accomplishments so far in the application of nanotechnology in several disciplines are discussed. Then a brief overview of the most important instrumentation systems used by nanotechnologists is provided. The nature of nanoparticles, nanoparticle composites, carbon nanostructures, including carbon nanotubes and their composites is subsequently discussed. The course also deals with nanopolymers, nanobiological systems, and nanoelectronic materials and devices. The issues of modeling of nanomaterials and nanostructures are also covered in this class. Multiscale modeling based on finite element simulations, Monte Carlo methods, molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics calculations are briefly addressed. Most importantly, students should obtain appreciation of developments in nanotechnology outside their present area of expertise.