Introduction. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials

Text 1A

Read text 1A with its introduction and answer the questions.

Memorize the following basic vocabulary and terminology to text 1A

LESSON 1

Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials - materials having unique properties arising from their nanoscale dimensions - can be stronger or lighter, or conduct heat or electricity in a different way. They can even change colour; particles of gold can appear red, blue or gold, depending on their size. These special attributes are already being used in a num­ber of ways, such as in the manufacture of computer chips, CDs and mobile phones. Researches are progressively finding out more about the nanoscale world and aim to use nanotechnologies to create new devices that are faster, lighter, stronger or more efficient. Nanotechnologies are widely seen as having huge potential in areas as diverse as healthcare, IT and energy storage. (707) (total – 4096)

1. unique physical phenomena – уникальные физические явления;

2. bulk matter – основная, исходная масса вещества;

3. pertain to – иметь отношение к, иметь отношение;

4. a realm of – область, сфера;

5. infinite bulk system – бесконечная внутренняя структура;

6. quantum dots – квантовые примеси, квантовые точки;

7. superlattice – сверхрешетка, кристаллическая сверхрешетка;

8. space structures and shapes – пространственные структуры и формы;

9. catalytic properties – каталитические свойства;

10. broad interdisciplinary research area – широкая междисциплинарная область исследования;

11. confinement of elementary excitation – ограничение элементарного возбуждения;

12. coupled finite systems – связная конечная система;

13. ubiquity of the phenomenon – повсеместность явления;

14. far-reaching potential applications – области применения c многообещающим применение;

15. implication on – воздействие на.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology pertain to the synthesis, characterization, exploration, exploitation, and utilization of nanostructured materials, which are characterized by at least one dimension in the nanometer (1 nm = 10^–9 m) range.

A focus of frontline interdisciplinary research today is the development of the conceptual framework and the experimental background of the science of nanostructured materials and the perspectives of its technological applications. The implications of quantum size and shape effects on the energetics, nuclear–electronic level structure, electric-optical response and dynamics, reveal new unique physical phenomena that qualitatively differ from those of the bulk matter and provide avenues for the control of the function of nanostructures. Current applications in the realm of nanoelectronics, nanooptoelectronics, and information nanoprocessing are addressed, and other directions highlighted.