Nanotechnology: A Link between Butterflies and Your Money?

An introduction to our book from the publisher.

Hershey—June 4^th, 2010– Although advances in nanotechnology and microelectronics promise boosts in the economy, the general public’s financials are not usually directly affected. Researchers in the UK are using nanofabrication techniques, with data collected from tropical butterfly studies, to create encryption technologies for currency and other important documents that people use every day.

The Cambridge University scientists were able to reproduce iridescent patterns and color arrangements of the Swallowtail butterfly. While the butterflies use their particularly-colored, scaled wings for mating and survival activities, scientists plan to build upon the potential of the fabricated optical designs, in order to better guard against forgery and counterfeiting activities.

The researchers used nanotechnology through self-assembly and atomic layer deposition to mimic the butterfly wings’ intricate patterns. Mathias Kolle, the lead researcher at Cambridge University explains that, “although nature is better at self-assembly than we are, we have the advantage that we can use a wider variety of artificial, custom-made materials to optimize our optical structures.”

Other examples of nanotechnology and microelectronic uses to improve economic conditions can be found in one of the latest releases by IGI Global, publisher of information science and technology, “Nanotechnology and Microelectronics: Global Diffusion, Economics and Policy” . Edited by Dr. Ndubuisi Ekekwe of Johns Hopkins University (USA), this reference explores the relationships among technology transfer and diffusion, trends and developments, and economics and policies as they relate to advances in nanotechnology and microelectronics.

Dr. Ekekwe states that “Nanotechnology is estimated to grow in excess of $1 trillion global market by 2015 with energy, textiles, and life sciences the leading sectors transitioning from labs to markets. This technology will drive a new global economy, nanomics or nanotechnology-driven economy and usher in a revolution that will advance genetics, information technology, biotechnology and robotics through low cost, high utility and high demand of its products.”

He continues, “One major goal of this book is to highlight multifaceted issues surrounding nanotechnology and microelectronics and technology in general on the basis of economics, innovation, policy, transfer, and global penetration through comprehensive research, case studies, academic and theoretical papers.”

To learn more, please visit http://www.igi-global.com/Bookstore/TitleDetails.aspx?TitleId=40290.

Other Related Titles Recently Released by IGI Global Include:

• Multi-Agent Applications with Evolutionary Computation and Biologically Inspired Technologies: Intelligent Techniques for Ubiquity and Optimization, http://www.igi-global.com/Bookstore/TitleDetails.aspx?TitleId=40266
• International Journal of Nanotechnology and Molecular Computation Vol. 2, Issue 1, 2010, http://www.igi-global.com/Bookstore/TitleDetails.aspx?TitleId=38869

About IGI Global

Since 1988, IGI Global has provided comprehensive research not just on computer science and information technology management, but also on how information technology affects human activities and interactions. IGI Global is a leading multimedia publisher of books, reference works, journals, encyclopedias, teaching cases, proceedings, and databases covering the areas of education, social science, library science, healthcare, business management, public administration, and computer science. Information on all of IGI Global’s authoritative resources can be found at www.igi-global.com. IGI Global’s office is located in Hershey, PA, USA.

Order inquiries may be directed to: 717-533-8845 x110, [email protected], or to book wholesalers or journal subscription agents.