Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
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Definitions
A list of terms related to nanotechnology.
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Self-assembly/self-replication
Refers to the ability of molecules to arrange themselves and find their appropriate location based solely on their structural or chemical properties. Self-replication introduces the possibility for molecular structures to replicate themselves to create bigger structures. It could pave the way for producing materials at very low cost.
Semi-conductor
Any material that doesn't conduct electricity as well as a good conductor, such as copper, but better than an insulator, such as glass. Semiconductors are used in computer chips and electronic devices. Nanotechnology may replace three-dimensional silicon semiconductors with one-dimensional semiconductors such as nanotubes or DNA.
Smart materials
Materials with properties, such as colour, shape or electronic properties, that can be changed and controlled by incorporating of nanocomputers and nanomachines. Theoretically, this new class of material could be programmed to transform themselves into almost any object. They represent an essential field of research.
