This second edition of the book, initially written as an introductory text dealing with how electric currents behave at the nanometer scale, begins with a general description of electric currents at the macroscale. Then by considering the physical length scales relevant to electron flow, it is observed how the behavior of currents varies as they approach the nanoscale. A quantum description of electric current is covered as well as its relevance, with particular reference to defects, grain boundaries, tunnelling and atomic contacts, followed by the effects of current flow through nanostructures, including electromigration, of particular relevance for transistor miniaturization. Next, the techniques used to probe currents and voltages at the nanoscale are considered, focusing on scanning-probe microscopy and transport measurements, before considering electronic transport through molecular and single-electron devices.The book will tie together several aspects of current and recent research on the current flow at the nanoscale. Due to the introductory nature of the book, it will not become obsolete quickly, and chapters can be added at will at later stages as new developments arise.

'The text is lightly written but, underneath the entertaining gloss of anecdote and personal detail, this is actually an intensely serious and carefully constructed book, aimed at informing the educated public about science in general and nanotechnology in particular. It is attractively produced, with innumerable well-captioned coloured images ... To my mind, Colm Durkan has succeeded in combining the accessible style of the best science journalists with the authority and vision that come from being a successful scientist and an expert in his field.'Contemporary PhysicsNanotechnology is a buzz word many of us have heard but are uncertain what it really means. This book works to dispel the myths and unravel the truth about this branch of science and technology that has already touched many aspects of our lives, from cheaper and faster medical diagnostic tools and more effective ways to deliver existing ones to helping to create new medicines and electronic devices.Size Really Does Matter starts by looking at the science and history of nanotechnology, followed by real-life examples of how it is used, what cutting-edge research is being carried out and why, and potential risks of this exciting new technology.It is written in an accessible style with genuine enthusiasm for the topics it addresses, including how nanotechnology hopes to address problems in several fields, such as cancer research, novel devices, new materials and improved manufacturing methods for existing products.Related Link(s)

'The text is lightly written but, underneath the entertaining gloss of anecdote and personal detail, this is actually an intensely serious and carefully constructed book, aimed at informing the educated public about science in general and nanotechnology in particular. It is attractively produced, with innumerable well-captioned coloured images ... To my mind, Colm Durkan has succeeded in combining the accessible style of the best science journalists with the authority and vision that come from being a successful scientist and an expert in his field.'Contemporary PhysicsNanotechnology is a buzz word many of us have heard but are uncertain what it really means. This book works to dispel the myths and unravel the truth about this branch of science and technology that has already touched many aspects of our lives, from cheaper and faster medical diagnostic tools and more effective ways to deliver existing ones to helping to create new medicines and electronic devices.Size Really Does Matter starts by looking at the science and history of nanotechnology, followed by real-life examples of how it is used, what cutting-edge research is being carried out and why, and potential risks of this exciting new technology.It is written in an accessible style with genuine enthusiasm for the topics it addresses, including how nanotechnology hopes to address problems in several fields, such as cancer research, novel devices, new materials and improved manufacturing methods for existing products.Related Link(s)