Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the applied science of working with atomic and molecular sized machines.

• Generally nanotechnology concerns itself with working with things on the scale of 100 nanometers or smaller.
• Nanaotechnology, on a theoretical basis, is generally divided into a weak and a strong period of development based upon capability and pervasiveness of adoption.

Description (Specifications)

Nanotechnological innovations begin around TL–8 with the construction of machines capable of imaging and moving individual atoms. This bottom up approach to construction of devices and materials is quickly supplemented with better understanding of chemical properties and the ability to finely manipulate chemical processes through electrical, magnetic, or photomanipulation techniques. Many of these techniques borrow from biological processes. This places nanotechnology studies somewhere between biology, mechanical engineering, and chemistry.

Industrial Nanotechnology

No information yet available.

Nanotechnological Makertech

No information yet available.

Nanotechnological Ultra-Tech

No information yet available.

History & Background (Dossier)

Many of the technological advances made by TL–9 and beyond have been influenced by the advances of nanotechnology.

Industrial Nanotechnology (Proto-Nanotechnology)

The earliest prototypical nanotechnology uses industrial manufacturing technologies and bridges the boundaries between an industrial society and a maker society. The first nanocytes, or nanotechnological machines are manufactured by industrial factories using pre-maker technology.

Wet Nanotechnology (Makertech)

Nanotech processes are a "wet" technology, requiring specialized equipment to create and manipulate. Wet Nanotech is sometimes characterized as "Weak or Early Nanotechnology". Much as Fusion+ once revolutionized energy production from a large-scale infrastructure product to a small-scale cottage industry, Makertech transforms manufacturing technologies making it possible to transform factories, formerly very large scale operations into much smaller, more portable ones. A simple fusion still and maker forge could perform the same quality functions as a much larger industrial era factory.

Dry Nanotechnology (Ultratech)

There remains a large area of study for "dry" nanotechnology, where the nano machines are used outside a laboratory or manufacturing facility to manipulate the environment to a particular end. Dry Nanotech is sometimes characterized as "Strong, Late, or Advanced Nanotech". Ultra-technological Nanotech combines artificial intelligence with advanced micro-technologies hypothetically transforming society and civilization.

Grey Goo Scenario

"Grey Goo" is the colloquial name used for an apocalyptic, nightmare scenario in which self-reproducing swarms of nanomachines run rampant transforming entire planets into swathes of slimey watelands, no longer fit for conventional life.

• Many other colors of goo exist associated with specific apocalyptic scenarios or industrial uses. Some kinds of goo have been rumored to be intentionally weaponized.

References & Contributors (Sources)

This article is missing content for one or more detailed sections. Additional details are required to complete the article. You can help the Traveller Wiki by expanding it.

This article is missing source reference/s. At least one reference, citation, or author if non-canon should be listed for most articles. The template to use is {{Sources}}. You can help the Traveller Wiki by expanding it.