Art on the Nanoscale and Beyond

Abstract

Methods of forming and patterning materials at the nano- and microscales are finding increased use as a medium of artistic expression, and as a vehicle for communicating scientific advances to a broader audience. While sharing many attributes of other art forms, miniaturized art enables the direct engagement of sensory aspects such as sight and touch for materials and structures that are otherwise invisible to the eye. The historical uses of nano-/microscale materials and imaging techniques in arts and sciences are presented. The motivations to create artwork at small scales are discussed, and representations in scientific literature and exhibitions are explored. Examples are presented using semiconductors, microfluidics, and nanomaterials as the artistic media; these utilized techniques including micromachining, focused ion beam milling, two-photon polymerization, and bottom-up nanostructure growth. Finally, the technological factors that limit the implementation of artwork at miniature scales are identified, and potential future directions are discussed. As research marches toward even smaller length scales, innovative and engaging visualizations and artistic endeavors will have growing implications on education, communication, policy making, media activism, and public perception of science and technology.

Nanotechnology in Textiles

“…Applications in fashion and arts will also be realized. 418,419 These sensing and display technologies may be controlled by smartphones. [420][421][422] Another potential research area is to create green chemistries and fabrication approaches to synthesize nanomaterials that stay intact after laundering.…”

Evolution Mechanism of Advanced Equipment Manufacturing Innovation Network Structure from the Perspective of Complex System

“…In the classic BA model, the premise of its assumption is that there are isolated points in the cluster innovation network. However, from the actual network connection, in addition to formal relationship links, there are also informal exchanges and communication, and there are many types of nodes in the network, so the probability of outliers in the network is very small [21].…”

Entrepreneurship

“…The realization of foreign direct investment and increasing export of expertise are vital channels for global integration and technology transfer through multinational corporations. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] These sectors require smaller, lighter, faster, more efficient and functional components at the nano/microscales. [1][2][3] Increasing investment in research is an incentive for universities to raise revenues by licensing intellectual property (IP) and spinning off companies.…”