Mar 9 2004
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The major driving factor in chip and system-on-chip manufacturing is lithography and associated processes. Thanks to the intense development plans devised by telecommunications firms, lithographic development has continued even beyond the barrier of 50 nm.
Expertise in Tools and Software in Nanotechnology
Today, tools are considered a profitable area for nanotechnology. Expertise in software and tools expedites the understanding of materials, for example, differentiating regions of low and high surface hardness or adhesion, mapping varied components in composite materials, and detection of contaminants.
Modeling of Nanoscale Phenomena in Tools and Software
Rapid development is seen in the modeling of nanoscale phenomena in tools and software, which turns out to be an important tool for engineering on the nanoscale and also for predicting bulk characteristics based on nanoscale structures.
A better computational infrastructure may be needed to analyze molecular assemblies and figure out the interactions that take place across a range of length and time scales. A mathematical simulation would not only offer a deeper insight into technology but would also reduce the development cycles of any technology. This can be achieved by introducing 3D models along with their experimental verification and additional development.
The Adaptation of Methods in the Field of Microelectronics and Nanotechnology
Techniques that were initially developed in the proven field of microelectronics simulation can be adapted and extended to guide the development of nanostructures and thus prevent expensive trials.
Based on these developments, tools and models, to replicate the generation and characteristics of nanogeometries are essential for nanotechnology. The phenomena that result in the formation and, in part, self-organization of atomic complexes and nanoclusters, such as Ostwald ripening, are also significant for nanotechnology.
Computer Modeling Used by Molecular Nanotechnologists
Molecular nanotechnologists extensively use computer modeling. The latest supercomputers are being commissioned, and distributed computing is being implemented to replicate the behavior of matter both at the molecular and atomic levels.
The analysis of the way proteins fold (a key determinant of their function) and efforts to predict this phenomenon signify a proven application. Modeling of an unlimited number of atoms to gauge the behavior of bulk solids is also being realized. There is a need for simulation and predictive physical models that are much more precise, since new effects as well as variables also need to be factored (for example, quantum effects, the stress in all steps, and fluctuations). Apart from these, new materials and new processes have to be addressed as well.