What are the major events that led to the development of modern nanotechnology systems?

The development of modern nanotechnology systems has been a result of many breakthrough discoveries and innovations that have occurred over the years. Nanotechnology is a branch of science that deals with the manipulation and engineering of matter at the nanoscale level. The following are some of the major events that have contributed to the development of modern nanotechnology systems:

• The birth of quantum mechanics: In the early 1900s, the birth of quantum mechanics led to the understanding of the principles of wave-particle duality and the wave nature of matter. This understanding paved the way for the development of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) in the 1980s, which allowed scientists to visualize and manipulate individual atoms and molecules.
• The invention of the atomic force microscope (AFM): In 1986, the atomic force microscope was invented, which allowed scientists to map the surface of materials with atomic resolution. This invention opened up new avenues for the study of nanoscale materials.
• The discovery of fullerenes: In 1985, the discovery of fullerenes, a new form of carbon that consists of a hollow sphere, opened up new possibilities for the creation of nanoscale structures.
• The development of lithography techniques: The development of lithography techniques, such as electron beam lithography and photolithography, allowed scientists to pattern materials on the nanoscale level.
• The development of molecular self-assembly: The development of molecular self-assembly techniques, which allow molecules to assemble themselves into complex structures, has also contributed to the development of nanotechnology systems.