1.
Who is considered the father of nanotechnology?
Correct Answer
A. Richard Feynman
Explanation
The father of nanotechnology is often considered to be Richard Feynman. Richard Feynman, a renowned physicist, is credited with giving a famous lecture in 1959 titled "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom," in which he discussed the possibilities of manipulating individual atoms and molecules to create new materials and devices.
2.
Who coined the term 'nanotechnology'?
Correct Answer
D. Norio Taniguchi
Explanation
In 1974, Japanese scientist Norio Taniguchi, affiliated with the Tokyo University of Science, was the pioneer in introducing the term "nano-technology" during a conference. He employed it to elucidate semiconductor processes like thin film deposition and ion beam milling, highlighting their remarkable precision at the nanometer scale.
3.
When did the Nobel Prize in Physics recognize the discovery of graphene?
Correct Answer
B. 2010
Explanation
The Nobel Prize in Physics recognized the discovery of graphene in 2010. Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were awarded the prize for their groundbreaking work on isolating and characterizing graphene.
4.
Who are considered the pioneers of quantum dots?
Correct Answer
A. Alexei Ekimov and Louis E. Brus
Explanation
Alexei Ekimov and Louis E. Brus are regarded as the pioneers of quantum dots. Louis Brus is often credited with discovering colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, which are now known as quantum dots, in the early 1980s. His work laid the foundation for understanding the unique optical and electronic properties of quantum dots. Alexei Ekimov, a Russian physicist, also made significant contributions to the field of quantum dots.
5.
What is the primary principle behind the operation of a single-electron transistor (SET)?
Correct Answer
B. Tunneling of individual electrons
Explanation
A single-electron transistor (SET) relies on the quantum mechanical phenomenon of electron tunneling, where individual electrons can tunnel through energy barriers. This tunneling effect is fundamental to the operation of SETs, allowing them to control and manipulate the flow of single electrons, making them a vital component in nanoelectronic devices.
6.
Which pair of scientists is known for their contributions to the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM)?
Correct Answer
A. Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer
Explanation
Gerd Binnig, along with Heinrich Rohrer, are credited with the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) in 1981, which revolutionized imaging at the atomic scale. They developed the scanning tunneling microscope in the early 1980s while working at IBM's Zurich Research Laboratory. Their groundbreaking work earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986 for their development of the STM.
7.
Which application takes advantage of carbon nanotubes' exceptional strength and electrical properties?
Correct Answer
B. Efficient solar cells
Explanation
The application that takes advantage of carbon nanotubes' exceptional strength and electrical properties is Efficient solar cells. Carbon nanotubes have been studied for their potential use in enhancing the efficiency of solar cells by improving electron transport and conductivity, which can lead to more efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity.
8.
When was the Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for the invention of the blue light-emitting diode (LED)?
Correct Answer
C. 2014
Explanation
The Nobel Prize in Physics for the invention of the blue light-emitting diode (LED) was awarded in 2014. The prize was awarded jointly to Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura for their groundbreaking work in the development of efficient blue LEDs, which have had a profound impact on lighting technology and energy efficiency.
9.
When did the discovery of the buckyball (fullerene) occur?
Correct Answer
B. 1985
Explanation
The discovery of the buckyball, a type of fullerene, occurred in 1985. It was discovered by Richard Smalley, Robert Curl, and Harold Kroto, and their discovery of fullerenes earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. Buckyballs are molecules composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, and they have unique structural and chemical properties that have led to various applications in nanotechnology and materials science.
10.
In what year did the IBM researchers demonstrate the ability to manipulate individual atoms using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM)?
Correct Answer
B. 1989
Explanation
IBM researchers demonstrated the ability to manipulate individual atoms using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) in 1989. This breakthrough experiment, conducted by IBM scientists Don Eigler and Erhard Schweizer, marked a significant achievement in the field of nanotechnology, as it showcased the precision and control that could be achieved at the atomic scale.
11.
Who is credited with the invention of the first point-contact transistor?
Correct Answer
D. Walter Brattain and John Bardeen
Explanation
The invention of the first point-contact transistor is credited to John Bardeen and Walter Brattain of Bell Laboratories. They developed the point-contact transistor in 1947, and their work laid the foundation for the development of modern transistor technology, which has had a profound impact on electronics and computing.
12.
What is the primary application of carbon nanotubes in nanoelectronics?
Correct Answer
D. Integrated circuits
Explanation
The primary application of carbon nanotubes in nanoelectronics is in the development of integrated circuits. Carbon nanotubes possess exceptional electrical and thermal properties, making them promising candidates for future electronic devices.
13.
What is the term for a nanoelectronic device that relies on the manipulation of individual electrons, often within semiconductor materials?
Correct Answer
A. Quantum Computer
Explanation
Quantum computers are nanoelectronic devices that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to manipulate individual electrons or quantum bits (qubits). These devices have the potential to perform complex calculations at speeds unimaginable by classical computers, making them a groundbreaking innovation in nanoelectronics.
14.
Which of the following nanoelectronic devices exploits the quantum tunneling effect to control electrical conductivity?
Correct Answer
B. Resonant tunneling diode (RTD)
Explanation
A resonant tunneling diode (RTD) is a nanoelectronic device that utilizes the quantum tunneling effect to control electrical conductivity. In an RTD, the electrons exhibit quantum mechanical behavior, allowing them to pass through energy barriers that would be insurmountable in classical electronic devices.
15.
What is the concept behind Moore's Law in the context of nanoelectronics?
Correct Answer
B. The number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years.
Explanation
Moore's Law, proposed by Gordon Moore in 1965, states that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years, leading to a continuous increase in computing power and miniaturization of electronic devices. This law has been a driving force behind the rapid advancement and innovation in the field of nanoelectronics.