Nanotechnology focuses on the design and creation of functional materials, structures, devices and systems by directly controlling matter at the nano-level.

Nanotechnology focuses on the design and creation of functional materials, structures, devices and systems by directly controlling matter at the nano-level, as well as the exploitation of novel phenomena and properties occurring at this level. In general, "nano-level" is defined as being smaller than 100 nanometres, depending on the physical and chemical characteristics of the particular system that undergoes quantitative and qualitative changes when the length scale boundary is crossed. Nanotechnology research and development includes the controlled manipulation of nano-scale structures and their integration into larger material components, systems and architectures. Within these larger scale assemblies, the control and construction of their structure and components continue to be at the nano-level. In nanotechnology, it is essential to have direct control of matter whether between two nano-level objects or between a micro/macro-level object and a nano-level object.