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nanotechnology
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nanotechnology: /nan'-oh-tek-no`l*-jee/ /n./ A hypothetical
fabrication technology in which objects are designed and built with
the individual specification and placement of each separate atom.
The first unequivocal nanofabrication experiments took place in
1990, for example with the deposition of individual xenon atoms on
a nickel substrate to spell the logo of a certain very large
computer company. Nanotechnology has been a hot topic in the
hacker subculture ever since the term was coined by K. Eric Drexler
in his book "Engines of Creation" (Anchor/Doubleday, ISBN
0-385-19973-2), where he predicted that nanotechnology could give
rise to replicating assemblers, permitting an exponential growth of
productivity and personal wealth. See also blue goo, gray
goo, nanobot.
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