Nanotechnology: An interesting analogy

Grabbing hold of a giant table, he pushes from behind and tilts it toward us.

"Imagine that this table's top surface is made of metal. The atoms on the four sides react differently from the ones at the centre. This is because the atoms at the sides don't have nearest neighbours, hence their behaviour is different.

"Just like you all are sitting now. Those of you sitting in the second, third rows are surrounded by your friends, and think that I can't see you. But the ones at the front row don't have neighbours in front. They pay full attention. That's why I always ask you to sit in the front row; your behaviour becomes different."

Dr. Roslan pulls up a chair and places it in front of the first row.

"Now, you, sit here."

Jyy Tyng gingerly went and sat in the lone chair, starting to fidget nervously.

"See? When I take him out, his behaviour becomes different! Thank you. You may go back to your seat.

"The same thing happens if we take out an atom from a material. Its behaviour becomes different.

"For example, if we shine light onto a big piece of silicon, nothing happens. But if we separate out one silicon atom, and we shine light onto it, the atom produces more light. The light is amplified.

"Dealing with things on the atomic level and getting results we never could obtain from a large-scale material, this is nanotechnology.

"That's why it's so exciting!"

Credits to Assc. Prof. Dr. Roslan Hashim, School of Physics, USM for his unpredictable, entertaining lectures.