Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea

A Different Kind of Small

Imagine something we would all like to have: a cube of gold that is 3 feet on each side. Now take the imaginary cube and slice it in half along its length, width, and height to produce eight little cubes, each 18 inches (50 centimeters) on a side. The properties (excepting cash value) of each of the eight smaller cubes will be exactly the same as the properties of the big one: each will still be gold, yellow, shiny, and heavy. Each will still be a soft, electrically conductive metal with the same melting point it had before you cut it. Aside from making your gold a bit easier to carry, you won't have accomplished much at all.

Now imagine taking one of the eight 18-inch (50-centimeter) cubes and cutting it the same way. ...