Mobile phones are one of the most common pieces of technology used in our daily lives. Some reports put the number of cell phones sold in 2007 worldwide at 1.1 billion. With that number of cellular phones sold in 2007 alone, the market is very hot leading to expanded research and development of new handsets. Nokia and the University of Cambridge have teamed up on a new concept phone called the Morph described as a nanotechnology concept device. The concept design was launched at the “Design and the Elastic Mind” exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. According to Nokia, the Morph is a concept intended to demonstrate how devices in the future could be stretchable and flexible allowing the user to change the shape of their device on a whim. The nanotechnology construction is capable of providing users with flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. Nokia Chief Technology Officer Dr. Bob Iannucci said in a statement, “Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible.” Nokia claims that certain elements of the Morph could be integrated into high-end handheld devices in the next seven years. Nokia adds that nanotechnology could at some point lead to low cost manufacturing solutions providing complex devices at low prices. University of Cambridge Professor Mark Welland added, “Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together.” Nokia made headlines earlier this month when the German government demanded $60.5 million in a refund of subsidies it provided.

Atomically Precise Manufacturing

Nanotechnology, sometimes shortened to nanotech, refers to a field of applied science whose theme is the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures 100 nanometers or smaller, and involves developing materials or devices within that size. Nanotechnology is an extremely diverse and multidisciplinary field, ranging from novel extensions of conventional device physics, to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly, to developing new materials with dimensions on the nanoscale, or the scale of nothing, even to speculation on whether we can directly control matter on the atomic scale. There has been much debate on the future implications of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has the potential to create many new materials and devices with wide-ranging applications, such as in medicine, electronics, and energy production. On the other hand, nanotechnology raises many of the same issues as with any introduction of new technology, including concerns about the toxicity and environmental impact of nanomaterials, and their potential effects on global economics, as well as speculation about various doomsday scenarios. These concerns have lead to a debate among advocacy groups and governments on whether special regulation of nanotechnology is warranted.

Nanotech Websites

Cambridge nanotech Fiji Plasma ALD Animation Video Cambridge nanotech, the world leader in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) science and equipment for research and industry, today announced the launch of its first line of plasma ALD systems, the Fiji Series. The Fiji is a breakthrough in ALD system design, said Dr. Jill Becker, Founder and CEO of Cambridge nanotech. We built it from the ground up for the specific purpose of plasma ALD, but with the ability to conduct thermal ALD as well. Built on the success of the Savannah, the Fiji delivers unparalleled flexibility and ease of experimental use for plasma ALD research. We are pleased to announce that the success of the Fiji thus far includes the delivery of ten Fiji systems on three continents, said Dr. Becker. The Fiji will be on display at ALD 2009 conference in Monterey, CA during the week of July 19th and can be seen by visiting Cambridge nanotech in booth #10 at the Portola Hotel. In addition, Cambridge nanotech scientists will present the first peer-reviewed papers based on research performed on the Fiji. About Cambridge nanotech Cambridge nanotech focuses on simplifying the science of atomic layer deposition for customers worldwide — from universities to the largest corporations — by delivering comprehensive services and versatile, turnkey systems that are accessible, affordable and accurate to the atomic scale. Cambridge nanotech, founded in 2003, grew directly out of Gordon Lab at Harvard University, one of the foremost ALD research groups in the world. Learn more at www.cambridgenanotech.com.

Atomically Precise Manufacturing

A molecular assembler hard at work designing a new laptop computer. Let’s hope this becomes a future reality.

Introduction to Nanotechnology

Published for educational purposes only. Please visit nano.cancer.gov for further information.

Nanotech Websites

Ralph Merkle – nanotechnology pioneer – discusses the future of the field with Salim Ismail, Executive Director of Singularity University. Filmed following Mr Merkle’s talks at Singularity University’s inaugural Executive Program.

Quantum Computer News