What is nanotechnology and how will it affect us? Nanobots, nanoprobes, nanoswarms, nanogenes - the list goes on. Nanotechnology is a staple of science fiction and has a chequered history in public perception: will swarms of sentient nanomachines ultimately take over the world? As this Very Short Introduction shows, the science underpinning nanotechnology is as fascinating as science fiction. The author introduces the key scientific themes and concepts foundational to the field, including interatomic and intermolecular forces, single atom imaging, quantum confinement, self-assembly, molecular machinery, and nanomagnetism. -- Adapted from back cover description.

Welcome to NanoPut -- The quantum, confined -- Tearing it down, building it up -- It from bit, bit from it -- Nanomachines -- Are the nanobots nigh?.