Nanotechnology will soon become a household word. It is a leading-edge technology that will revolutionize many sectors of manufacturing over the long-term. Nanotechnology is generally defined as the science of designing, building or utilizing unique structures that are smaller than 100 nanometers in size (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter). This involves microscopic structures that are no larger than the width of some cell membranes. In particular, nanotech may involve the manipulation of materials on the atomic level so that they take on new characteristics, such as increased strength.

MEMS refers to the very exciting field of the miniaturization of electronics. Specifically, we define MEMS as "Micro Electro Mechanical Systems," micron-scale structures that transduce signals between electronic and mechanical forms.

Nanotechnology will interface with such technologies as electronics, biotechnology, chemistry, robotics and aerospace. The result will be new ways to solve problems and create products, based on the use of micro components. The fastest-growing commercialized uses of nanotechnology are in coatings (including advanced paints used in demanding environments), specialty chemicals (with many different applications), solar cells and LEDs utilizing advanced polymers, and textiles (for example, new stain-free pants were introduced by Eddie Bauer and Lee Jeans in 2003, based on micro textile technology).

Plunkett’s Nanotechnology & MEMS Industry Almanac presents a complete analysis of the nanotechnology business. This industry represents one of the most exciting, ground-floor opportunities in the world of technology today.

This market research tool includes our analysis of the major trends affecting the nanotechnology and MEMS industry, from the increase in federal funding and venture capital to breakthroughs in atomic and molecular scale structures. No other source provides this book’s easy-to-understand analysis of growth, expenditures, technologies, funding, grants, corporations, research and other vital subjects.

The corporate profiles section provides in-depth, one-page profiles on each of the top nanotechnology & MEMS companies. We have used our massive databases to provide you with unique, objective analysis, market research and competitive intelligence on the largest and most exciting companies in: optics, coatings, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, microelectronics, molecular structures and more. We've been working harder than ever to gather data on all the latest trends in nanoscale technologies. Our research effort includes an exhaustive study of new technologies and discussions with experts at innovative tech companies.

Purchasers of the book or eBook version receive a free CD-ROM database of the corporate profiles. The free CD is fully searchable by key words and key fields (such as geography, industry code and revenues), and you can export data from it directly to mail merge, spread sheets and word processor files.

Contains detailed market research, business analysis and competitive intelligence, featuring:

• Nanotechnology, Nanoscience and MEMS Industry Trends/ Research & Development
• Leading Technology Companies
• Nanotechnology Technology Finance/ Growth Companies
• Glossary of Nanotechnology & MEMS Terms
• Contacts: Including Industry Associations and Government Agencies
• A History of Nanotechnology
• A discussion of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
• Optics based on Nanotechnology
• Coatings based on Nanotechnology
• Molecular Electronics
• Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals based on Nanoscience
• Computer Memory and Other Systems in Nanoscale
• Self Assembly
• Nanoscale Carbon Tubes and Other Nano Structures
• Polymers, including Solar Cells and PLEDs
• Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Manufacturing and Research

You'll find a complete overview, industry analysis and market research report in one superb, value-priced package. This book also includes statistical tables, a nanotechnology industry glossary, industry contacts and thorough indexes.

Here's what the critics say about other recent Plunkett Research technology books:

"The almanac is very easy to read and provides a quick way to identify leading companies in the information technology field."
- American Reference Books Annual

"Five-Stars! I realize that technology is changing much faster than I can possibly keep up with or comprehend. This book is extremely informative and written in a manner that is understandable, even to a non-techie." - Amazon.com review

"Intriguing reference...interesting articles on the industry's trends...Plunkett's contains more information on the firms that are included." - Library Journal

"A comprehensive introduction discusses major industry trends, international trade and emerging markets." - Reference & Research Book News