METROLOGY


 Force measurement specialist Starrett, explores how metrology will be used in the future adoption of nanotechnology


Measuring up to nanotechnology T


he ability to observe and construct things at a tiny scale is the heart of nanotechnology. To put the scale of a nanometre into perspective, this unit ofmeasurement tallies at one billionth of ametre. A single


strand of human hair is around 80,000 nanometres in width, a strand of humanDNA is 2.5 nanometres in diameter and a fingernail grows by approximately one nanometre every second. As nanotechnology is evolving, so is the scope for


its commercial expansion.However, scientists have discovered that, when working at this scale, every day materials begin to behave in unusual ways, opening entirely new opportunities – and potential challenges – formanufacturers and scientists. Nanotechnologymight seemcutting edge, but


humans have actually been experimenting with nanomaterials for hundreds of years – albeit accidentally. In fact, stained glass windows came about as the result of a heating and cooling process that adjusted the size of nanocrystals in the glass. Medieval nanotechnologistsmay not have been


aware of the scale they were working at, but this art formis widely considered as one of the first examples ofmanipulating nanomaterials. Today, technologists are beginning to understand the full potential of the nanoscale by experimenting with themeasurement andmanagement of nanomaterials. Over the past 30 years, the science of


nanotechnology has grown fromcomplete obscurity into an industry worth trillions of pounds. Nanomaterials already contribute tomore than 1,800 consumer goods, but the future predictions for this technology are farmore remarkable. Faster computer chips, life-savingmedical devices and environmentally restoring inventions are among the many nanotech applications set to change the way we live. Clearly, nanotechnology has the potential to be a


major driver for themanufacturing economy of the future.However, significant research and development (R&D) is required to ensure high- quality precision of thesematerials, and manufacturers will requiremore advanced technology to accuratelymanagematerials on this scale. Metrology and precisionmeasurement already


play an integral role in product design and manufacturing. The technology behind quality assurance processes ensure every product works the


Nanotechnology is evolving, and so is its scope for commercial expansion. Brian McLay,metrology businessmanager of precision measurement specialist Starrett, explains to Andy Pye how precision metrology will support the rise of nanotechnology inmanufacturing


way it should, safely and effectively. In the nanoworld, however, the role ofmetrology will becomemuch,muchmore complicated! One of the biggest challenges formanufacturers


hoping to experiment with nanotechnology is the need to develop newmeasurement techniques that meet the requirements of the nanoscale. The development of nanotechnologies cannot advance without progress in nanometrology first—affording the ability tomeasure and characterise nanoscale materials according to their shape, size and physical properties. Maintaining control of the critical dimensions of a


nanomaterial is one of themost important factors when working withmaterials this small. Manufacturers need to constantly control all parameters and performance, otherwise thematerial is at risk ofmanipulation.Material quantities such as linewidth, pattern overlay error, composition and concentration all need to be closelymeasured as the slightest error can end in disaster, and this can only be done ifmetrology advances to keep up with this new technique. While nanotechnology is a hugely exciting and


rapidly advancing field, substantial progress is required before we see it reach its full potential. Manufacturers need to invest their time and resources into the development of nanometrology and the supportingmetrology technology to create a firmfoundation for growth.Without investment in precisionmeasurement, we will not achieve the impressive predictions set for nanotechnology in the future. EE


December 2017 /// Environmental Engineering /// 49


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