Nanotechnology and Its Uses in the Military

Nanotechnogy is an exciting field with seemingly endless applications. While the field has limitless applications in many fields, this research paper will define nanotechnology, branches of this fast growing field, and its applications specifically in its uses for the military, which include the following: satellite communications, laser communications, intelligence and information, biochemical warfare, chemical weapons, military vehicle development, clothing (body armor and sensors), and other minor applications. The social implications of nanotechnology and its impact will be discussed, followed by the conclusion.

What Is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology was first coined in 1986 by K. Eric Drexler, an “engineer from MIT” (Basset, 2012, p. 116). Since then, stated Basset, government funding for nanotechnologies has bloomed from several million in the 1990s to hundreds of millions of dollars. In the following section, nanotechnology is defined within its existence and uses. Its importance in quantum mechanics is explained. An example of an offshoot field of study is provided to demonstrate the flourishing and expansive growth of nanotechnology. 

“Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, or nanoscale” (Jones, Nye, & Greenburg, n.d. p. 2). To define nanotechnology within the parameters of its applications, Jones et al. stated: “Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.” According to Jones et al. (n. d.), there are 1000 nanometers per micrometer. To give an idea of how small a nanometer is, an atom is one tenth of a nanometer, and a glucose molecule is approximately one nanometer, Jones et al. stated. 

Jones et al. (n. d.) explained the importance of nanotechnology in quantum mechanics.  Every single particle in nature and industry has unique compositions on the nano level, and nano properties can diverge from the composition of even one atom, which is a concept falling under quantum mechanics. It is what gives gold its shiny texture and metallic color. However, nanoparticles themselves can vary in color and composition, even being rose or violet hues, depending upon the size of the particles. Nanoparticles are what helps us understand cellular structure at the mechanical level. For example, because of the understanding of nanoparticles and their role in increased surface area, nanotechnology has already contributed to a variety of industries, such as computers with touch screens, and even makeup.

Within the field of nanotechnology, new fields of study have sprouted. One example Jones et al. (n. d.) is the field of Nanophotonics: “Nanophotonics is the science and engineering of light - matter interactions that take place on wavelength and subwavelength scales where the physical, chemical or structural nature of natural or artificial nanostructured matter controls the interactions” (p. 27). U. S. Naval Research Lab (n. d.) also lists nanoassembly, nanoelectronics, nanooptics, nanochemistry, and nanomechanics as areas in the field of study, research, and technological development. The next section will explain the ways nanotechnology has contributed in military applications.  

Nanotechnology and Its Military Applications

The following sections will explain the ways nanotechnology can help the military in a variety of ways. Some ways are centered on improving existing technology, such as military drones, communications, and laser communications. Other ways nanotechnology has helped are with specific devices, such as nanosensors, which have created an entirely new field in nanotechnology and have different applications across many areas within the military.  

Satellite Communications

Keller (2012) stated, “RF MEMS and nanotechnology could lead to major breakthroughs in aerospace and defense applications such as satellite communications at speeds in excess of 100 GHz, and electronically steerable RF phase shifters for true time delay.” (1). 

Field of Intelligence and Information

Also, nanotechnology’s applications in the intelligence field, for agencies such as the CIA, are absolutely titillating, according to Keller (2012): Tracking and recording devices would be so small and undetectable, they would blend in with any environment, from nature to business offices to training camps, and be virtually undetectable to the human eye.

Laser Communications

Nanotechnology’s use in laser communications is useful in military applications. Keller (2012) stated lasers are desirable to use for communication because of their lightening fast speed, and they are more concentrated than radio or other means, which make it difficult to intercept by the wrong people. The tiny mirrors used to concentrate the relay of the messages even further are light, require a minute amount of energy to operate, and help manipulate the concentration, direction, and speed of the lasers, according to Keller.

Combating Biological and Chemical Warfare 

Because of its worldwide implications and applications, one of the most important applications in nanotechnology is in the detection of biological and chemical weaponry. Jones et al. (n. d.) explained the role of nanotechnology in biological and chemical warfare. Bombs and weapons are not the only threat to the soldiers of our country. Weapons can also be devised from engineered diseases and chemical manipulations, especially in countries that do not have the access to weapons such as atom bombs. One only has to turn to the news to see that anthrax-laced letters have become a reality. 

Nanotechnology has become an integral part in the detection and neutralization of these threats within our nation and abroad. According to Jones et al. (n. d.), nanosensors are devices that will replace several sensors used to detect gases and other harmful weapons. It is lightweight, and with a single device, it could detect harmful substances off of the wing of a butterfly. Nanosensors also decrease the possibility of false positives. For instance, Jones et al. cited a project spearheaded by NASA, whose goal it is to put sensors for biological and chemical weapons in cell phones, which will automatically detect the substances and alert authorities of their presence. 

Creating New Vehicles

Jones et al. (n. d.) described nanotechnology in its uses for vehicle development. The United States Department of the Navy is using nanotechnology to assist in developing an all-electric ship. One of the current problems the submarine is having is getting power to the entire ship. Nanotechnology is being used to help the ship run more efficiently.

Other Military Applications for Nanotechnology

Bulletproof body armor. Nanotechnology is currently under study to create a lightweight yet bulletproof uniform and vests for our nation’s soldiers (Jones et al., n. d.).

Cloaking devices. This future application could possibly allow our soldiers to sneak behind enemy lines undetected (Jones et al., n. d.).

Hummingbird Replica. Darpa (n. d.) described a device developed by a company that seems to be ripped from science fiction movies. The hummingbird is self-propelled, flapping its wings to fly indoors or out with superior maneuverability.

“Smart Clothes” (Jones et al., n. d.) and Other Devices. Smart clothes are being developed to detect and treat illnesses in soldiers. The detection device is placed on the undergarment to detect disease through the sweat of the soldier. Monitoring immunity is another area of study, according to the Institute for Soldier Technologies (n. d.), as well as healing injuries and the delivering of medication.

Nanotechnology and its Social Implications

As Keller (2012) depicted, nanotechnology is a limitless field full of endless potential. Basset (2012) explained that a lot of social good can come from the field. It has the potential to make humans faster, safer, and smarter. It can help us solve all sorts of problems with ease. It might even help humans discover how to live forever. It is the stuff of science fiction (Patrick, 2007). However, as Basset (2012) explained, the United States Federal Government has funded most of the hundreds of millions of dollars mentioned for military applications, rather than funding a majority to solve the problems of humanity.  

Crowe (n. d.) relayed that several scientists voiced concerns related to the potential harm nanotechnologies can bring, such as in the fields of biotechnology and human engineering, such as the potential to create super-diseases that have no cure. Also, human dignity could be at stake. For example, if a nanochip was implanted into the human brain to turn it into a superbrain, would this compromise human dignity?

Chen (2012) also raised the issue of human rights violations that are potential, which are rights we hold dear in this country. If an unseen device could be virtually anywhere, whether in a forest or in a house, everyone in the country could be monitored by the government without their knowledge. 

Nevertheless, it seems that humanity is already aware of the tremendous, exciting, yet frightening potential of nanotechnology. Organizations such as Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Pew Charitable Trusts (2013) maintains a website to inform the public of any advances in technology. It is also part of their motto to ensure public safety is not endangered by nanotechnological products. They also keep a list of all products that have been created by and incorporate nanotechnologies within their products. 

Conclusion

Nanotechnology is an exciting field full of possibilities. Nanotechnology was defined nanotechnologies in terms of its naming, its applications, and its offshoots. Its many and ever-changing applications in the military was discussed at length, and included devices used to protect our soldiers from disease, weapons, and illness, as well as its use in the research and development of completely new devices that have widespread applications. This discussion concluded with thoughts on ethical and social implications of military use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a field that is already affecting our lives in multiple ways. It is important to stay informed of this growing and exciting field. 

After all, nanotechnology has the potential to change humans down to the cellular level, down to every electron of every atom. Increasing public awareness of the potentials and pitfalls of this industry is important in the continued growth in nanotechnology. 

References

Basset, D. R. (2012). Notions of identity, society, and rhetoric in a speech code of science among scientists and engineers working in nanotechnology. Science Communication, 34(1) 115-159. doi: 10.1177/1075547011417891

Chen, A. (2012). The ethics of nanotechnology. Santa Clara University. Retrieved from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/submitted/chen/nanotechnology.html

Crowe, S. (n. d.) Understanding the Ethical Implications of Nanotechnology: Highlights of a Limited Inquiry by the President's Council on Bioethics. President’s Council on Bioethics. Retrieved from http://bioethics.georgetown.edu/pcbe/background/nanotechnology_implications.html

Darpa. (n. d. ). Nano air vehicle. http://websearch.darpa.mil/search?q=nano&btnG=Search&entqr=0&ud=1&sort=date:D: L:d1&output=xml_no_dtd&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&client=default_frontend&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&site=default_collection

Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. (n. d.). Enhancing soldier survivorbility. Retrieved from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/submitted/chen/nanotechnology.html

Jones, A., Nye, J, & Greenburg, A. (n. d.). Nanotechnology in the military. University of Wisconsin, Madison, Nanoscience and Engineering Center. Retrieved from http://ice.chem.wisc.edu/NanoDecisions/PDF/Military.pdf 

Keller, J. (2012). MEMS and nanotechnology maturing for certain military applications, yet its potential is still immense. Military and Aerospace Electronics. Retrieved from http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2012/05/mems-and-nano-prod-intel.html

Patrick, D. (2007).  Tiny tech, transcendent tech: nanotechnology, science fiction, and the limits of modern science talk. Science Communication, 29(1), 65-95.

Pew Charitable Trusts, Wilson Center. (2013). Pew Charitable Trusts, Wilson Center launch project on emerging nanotechnologies: The project on emerging nanotechnologies. Retrieved from www.nanotechproject.org

U. S. Naval Research Lab. (n. d.). Institute for Nanoscience. Retrieved from http://www.nrl.navy.mil/nanoscience/