Nanotechnology is defined as the creation of functional systems on a molecular scale. An alternate definition is based on making things from the bottom up. These systems may be motors, robot arms, and even entire computers that are smaller than a single cell. These small mechanisms must be constructed by the strategic placement of atoms or small clusters of atoms. Nanotechnology has already been incorporated into the creation of strong materials, stain repellant solutions, optic cables, powerful microscopes, and is currently being introduced to the data storage arena.

While the strong materials and stain repellant solutions are very interesting and useful, the technological uses are much more important. The optic cables are created with nanotech crystals which results in a much better optical resolution than regular cables. These nanotech cables also lead to faster transmission speeds and greater transmission capacities. The smaller components within these cables also require less power consumption, which makes them more earth friendly.

Most fiber optic cables on the market have not been created with nanotechnology yet. Fiber optic cables already create one of the best resolutions in the market, but creating electro-optic modulators on a nanoscale will produce unbelievable results. Electro-optic modulators are used in fiber optic cables to manipulate a beam of light to carry data from one point to another. With the creation of nanometer sized modulators, each fiber optic cable has billions of these wonderful machines. This increase in quantity automatically increases the speed and efficiency of data transmission. Along with the optic cables, nanotechnology also has a huge impact on new forms of microscopy.

For years, we as humans have had a desire to break down objects into the absolute smallest particles that exist. We have driven microscopy down as much as possible and now are focusing on nanotechnology to get more in-depth information. With the assistance of nanobots and other nano-scaled devices, it is possible to see particles smaller than ever before. These microscopes actually allow you to see on the molecular level.

Since we know that nano-scaled machines can actually let you see molecular units, it is easy to believe that these same machines can actually write to a hard drive on the same scale. All data that is written to any type of storage device is written by a laser, so making the laser writing smaller is the perfect way to get more out of the space you already have. This form of data transcription will allow for the successful storage of unheard of amounts of data in extremely small spaces. This will allow you to store more data on hard drives, flash drives and even on CDs and DVDs.

Nanotechnology is one of the largest new sciences being studied. These new, miniscule devices will no doubt change many of our day to day processes forever. We will be able to view better images on our televisions, discover smaller atomic particles than ever before, and even improve technological storage capacities. Nanotechnology is the science of the present and the science of the future. There is no limit to the applications of this science in healthcare, technology or any other area of life. These nano-scaled devices are sure to be used in applications every day and may even be responsible for finding cures for many diseases.