Nanotechnology in Defense: Distinguishing Fact From Fiction

1. Nanotechnology in Defense:Distinguishing Fact From Fiction Andrew Goettler

2. Nanotech Introduction • Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at extremely small scales • Some nano-scale devices consist of only a few molecules • At such small scales, materials display useful and unusual properties that can be precisely tuned

3. The Future vs “The Future” Future Force Warrior System Future Force Warrior 2020 Image and source credit: http://www.armedforces-int.com/projects/future_force_warrior_system.html

4. Evolution vs Revolution Evolution Revolution Farther in the future, nanotechnology may radically change how war is fought These groundbreaking advances currently exist only in the lab or the imagination • In the near future, nanotechnology will improve the comfort, safety, and effectiveness of armed forces • Most advances will be improvements to existing technology

5. Evolution vs Revolution:Examples Evolution Revolution Form-fitting, bulletproof combat jumpsuits with artificial muscles “Lab-on-a-chip” sensors to detect even tiny amounts of dangerous gases, organisms, or explosives • Silver-impregnated textiles that kill bacteria and reduce odor • Nanofilters to protect against chemical/biological weapons

6. Ultracapacitors • Ultracapacitorshave existed since the 1960s • Store and release electricity, similar to a battery, but more durable, longer-lived, and immune to temperature • Electricity storage is directly proportional to electrode surface area • Modern ultracapacitors use porous activated carbon as electrodes http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/batteries-0208.html

7. Ultracapacitors • Carbon nanotubes structures can be arranged to have enormous surface areas • More surface area equals more storage capacity • In military applications, this means portable energy sources with more stability, durability, power, and longevity • Battery life and weight will become critical as military electronics gain features and grow more power-hungry http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/batteries-0208.html

8. Food Preservation • “An army marches on its stomach!” • It’s true; a single soldier in the field requires a daily diet of at least 4,500 Calories • Rations must provide sufficient energy and nutrition, yet remain edible through months of storage and varying temperatures • Military scientists are always trying find better ways of feeding soldiers

9. Food Preservation • Silver nanoparticles are already being added to food packaging to kill bacteria and slow down spoilage • Some important vitamins high heat over time or in high temperatures • Nanocapsulesmay someday be used to stabilize and preserve these vitamins http://www.understandingnano.com/column-food.html

10. Metamaterials • Metamaterials are nanostructures that have absurd magnetic and electrical properties, such as redirecting light • Enormous hype surrounds metamaterials– they’re frequently described as an “invisibility cloak” • Years of development are needed before a large object can be shielded http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518085200.htm

11. Metamaterials • The first applications of metamaterials will likely be in radio antenna • May be used to make antenna smaller, lighter,and more efficient • Metamaterials that block radio and microwaves are easier to make • May also be used to hide vehicles from radar detection

12. Conclusion Questions