Description: Nanofabrication refers to the design and manufacture of devices at the nanoscale, that is, in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers. This discipline combines principles from physics, chemistry, and engineering to create structures and materials that exhibit unique properties due to their small size. At this scale, materials can behave differently than their larger-scale counterparts, enabling innovations in various fields, from electronics to medicine. Nanofabrication includes techniques such as lithography, self-assembly, and vapor deposition, which allow for the precise creation of components at the atomic level. Its relevance lies in its ability to revolutionize the production of devices, enhancing their performance and functionality. Furthermore, nanofabrication is essential in the development of emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and nanotechnology, which promise to transform industries and open new frontiers in science and engineering.
History: The term ‘nanofabrication’ began to gain popularity in the 1980s when scientists started exploring the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale. In 1981, the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) was developed by Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer, allowing researchers to observe and manipulate individual atoms. Following this, research in nanotechnology rapidly expanded, and in 2000, the National Nanotechnology Initiative was launched in the United States, marking a milestone in funding and promoting research in this field.
Uses: Nanofabrication has applications in various fields, including electronics, where it is used to create smaller and more efficient transistors. In medicine, it enables the development of drug delivery systems and nanomaterials for diagnostics. It is also applied in energy, improving the efficiency of solar cells and in the manufacturing of lighter and stronger materials.
Examples: An example of nanofabrication is the creation of integrated circuits in computer chips, where lithography techniques are used to place transistors at the nanoscale. Another example is the use of nanoparticles in cancer treatments, where they are employed to deliver drugs directly to tumor cells, minimizing side effects.
