Washington State University

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanoparticle close up view
Nanoscience is the study of particles, materials, and molecules one nanometer (10-9) or less in size. One nanometer is approximately 1/60,000 the diameter of a human hair. The National Nanotechnology Initiative website puts the “nanoscale” in perspective.

Nanotechnology is the way discoveries made at the nanoscale are applied. At the nanoscale, objects behave quite differently from those at larger scales. Manipulation of nanoscale materials allows researchers to explore their unique properties and create new useful nanomaterials.

At Washington State University, researchers are recognized nationally for their work in electronic, photonic, and bionic applications of nanomaterials.