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1-4244-0941-1/07/$25.00 c©2007 IEEE

The Next Wave of Innovation Nanotech with Defense

Sweety Trivedi, eit 2007 Conference, IEEE student chapter Member

Abstract - We discuss and present the impact of a new emerging technology – The Nanotechnology in the various fields with its immense capabilities & more specifically in the field of Defense. The various current researches in the Military defense are discussed and its implications to the human and society is put forth as a question as to, Is the new technology horrendous to the people and its society. Also various unanswered questions needs to be responded and paid attention in order to avoid the social detrimental of the individual.

[I] Introduction

There was a tremendous technology explosion in the first half of 20th century which affected the life of the individual and the way of their living. It started first with the heavier than air flying machines which were believed to be just impossible and were invented with again a jet speed within 50 years of the era while in the beginning of the century it was a period where people did not have a car but by following 50 years there was electricity, car and many other great inventions which then were the basic necessities for the people. The next 50 years witnessed the substantial improvement and development in the field of radio, television, plastic, nuclear weapons & computers too. [10] Nanotechnology encompasses many different concepts but it is more generally associated with the manipulation of matter on an atom-by-atom

Or molecule-by-molecule basis to construct or build a certain atomic or molecular configuration as shown in fig.1. It is the branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, esp. the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. [1]

Nanotechnology is the science of building microscopic devices at the molecular and atomic levels. Nanotechnology can solve problems that scientists have been struggling with for decades & ages with the tool of miniaturization. Nanotechnology, is currently heavily researched and funded across the globe, & has promises to revolutionize many applications in space flight and communications. The advanced miniaturization concepts shall proliferate across many industries in addition to defense and aerospace. In its original sense, 'nanotechnology' refers to the projected ability to construct items from the bottom up, [3] using techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, high performance products.

[II] Nanotechnology Concept

The concept was conceived way back in 1970's, when the biotechnology was emerging as a possibility with an introduction of recombinant DNA techniques. K.Eric Drexler [2] was interested in the notion that much of what went on inside a cell wasn’t so different in principle from what engineers did at the microscopic level. Just as the third wave, nanotechnology is emerging as a technology which can do wonders which are unimaginable and as never thought before. Today millions of funds are provided in order to conduct research in the field of nanotechnology in order to make Drexler's dreams of making a nano chip or a stronger aerospace material which can do wonders![11] It seems that Drexlerian nanotechnology would take a shape but the appearance is just the most deceiving. However, the reality and promise of nanotechnology is

Fig.1

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more hopeful than fearful. Developments in nanotechnology will enable faster computing, biosensors that can detect anthrax, improved medical treatments, ultra small sensors, power sources, improving every facet of life from simple household appliances to improved navigation and propulsions systems for future space transportation. [3]Nanotechnology represents the ability to systematically organize and manipulate matter at nanoscale. Of course any powerful new technology will bring new dangers and nanotechnology, being essentially engineering at the level of control that gives life its great powers, is very powerful. The term Nanotechnology was coined in 1974 by Professor Norio Tanihuchi of Tokyo Science University and while this is the origin of the word the concept predates this by almost 20 years. A physicist by the name of Richard Feynman is attributed as having first conceived the concept in his lecture "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" in 1959[8]. He predicted the usage of precise tools to build a smaller more precise set (which is a perfect prediction of how top down nanotechnology works), and so on and so forth, until the tools became incredibly tiny. He also predicted that the products from nanotechnology would rely less on gravity, due to their incredibly small mass, but would instead be affected greatly by Vander Waals forces, the intermolecular attraction between electrons in one atom and the protons in another (these forces arise due to the negative nature of electrons and the positive nature of protons).

So all together it has two different meanings, one is any technology which deals with something less than 100 nanometers in size & the other is to design and build machines in which every atom and chemical bond is specified clearly as shown in fig. 2. These can be defined as the nanoscale technology. The potential &

dangers of this technology is just simple and straightforward extensions of the current trends in the dangers of chemistry, material science & micro fabrication. More precisely if we discuss the second meaning of nanotechnology, it can be coined as the nanotech. Nanotechnology fits into this vision in two important ways. First, it offers the potential for miniaturization, a key part of reducing weight. Today's hefty radio worn on a harness might be reduced to a button-sized tab on the collar. And a waterproof poncho could be replaced by a permanent nano-thin coating applied to everything the soldier carries. Secondly, because nanotechnology operates at length scales where classical macroscopic physics breaks down, it offers engineers the potential for creating unprecedented new materials properties and devices. [3]

Nanotechnology has miles to go as far as the revolution in the industrial field is concerned, while it has some commitments in the Defense too. It offers the military investors and the patrons to have more functionality, performance and the life span with less weight, size, maintenance, power and of course the most important the cost ! There are several implications of Nanotechnology: a) It enables the miniaturization beyond micro and reaches NANO! b) It delivers the better product at a cheaper cost and a lesser expense. c) It permits the researchers and the scientists to work on the scale of nature. d) It opens up the new ways and vast opportunities by systematically organizing & manipulating the matter from the bottom up technology.

There are great military impacts of Nanotechnology on the defense too. Army leaders are looking for a 21st century battle suit. The lycra-tight clothing must stop bullets, detect chemical and biological agents, monitor a wounded soldier’s vital signs, administer basic first aid, and communicate with headquarters [13]

One approach could provide answers for all those challenges-nanotechnology. In March 2002, Army planners granted $50 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, [4] to create the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. Across the country, military research dollars are flowing to nanotechnology laboratories, as engineers find ways to build more-efficient batteries, more-powerful fuel

Fig.2

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cells, more-receptive solar cells, more-affordable titanium metal, and more-sensitive chemical and biological agent detectors. Nanotechnology is no longer a dream discipline for future research-it is creating products for specific applications today. Since technology provides advantages in battle, all opponents have strong motives to stay in the lead, or at least to keep the lag quiet small. New area of technology makes new ways of destruction. Military exploration of new technology means practicing the new possibilities by researching the potential, developing and testing the devices. An only means of securing effectiveness in a battle is secrecy[9] Knowledge of technical details, strategies, schemes, line of attacks even the motivation of an opponent’s armed forces makes attacking them easier, thus there is a strong motive to keep such information secret on the own side –and to gain it by surveillance on others. There can be many additional motives for secrecy, and states differ widely how they handle it. The more secretive an armed force is, the higher is the possibility of a breakout: massing of weapons or personnel, introduction of qualitatively new weapons so that one side would suddenly dominate militarily. This problem becomes more urgent if new technology promises revolutionary change, as is the case with Nanotechnology.

[III] Potential Military Nanotechnology Application

Nanotechnology could be used in all areas of fighting and for preparing war. The basic sections of nanotechnology in military can be as mentioned: Guidance & Control, Propulsion, Signature Control, Power Systems and Intelligent materials or self healing. Small but powerful computers to be built into vehicles, unmanned vehicles and robots, armaments, command and control, weapons, uniforms, equipment, etc. Larger computing systems will be applied in battle management and logistics, increasingly taking over tasks that used to be reserved for humans. Small, sophisticated sensors to become cheap enough to be scattered in high numbers. Missiles to become smaller & guidance systems to be provided even for small munitions. [13] Nanotechnology based fiber composites to allow metal-free small arms and ammunition. Vehicles to become lighter and more agile, engines to be more efficient. Autonomous vehicles for all media to become

possible, for reconnaissance and communication, but also for battle.

New Generation Technology:-

The Future Force Warrior:

Wars are evolutionary; with each new discord it brings more powerful and advanced weaponry. Weapons that yield success on the modern & new battlefield today quickly become outdated and ineffective in just a few years. The reality of the battlefield necessitates continuous change in the pursuit to always stay a step ahead of the enemy. To better equip its soldiers, the U.S. Army [5] is developing an advanced infantry uniform that will provide human the great strength and greater ballistic protection than any uniform to date. Also, using wide-area networking and onboard computers, soldiers will be more aware of the action around them and of their own bodies.

Warming Up For the Battle

With the development of such kind of bionic uniform for its soldiers, the U.S. Army has great plans for a change in the logistics of war. Integrated physiological monitoring, enhanced communication and augmented physical strength will give the soldiers of the future the tools they need to surprise their opponents simply by putting on a hi-tech suit. There are two phases to the Future Force Warrior program[7] The first phase basically deals with the deployment of a uniform in 2010 that will meet the Army's short-term needs, although pieces of the uniform may be deployed earlier also. According to Future Force Warrior Equipment Specialist & the technical leaders in the field the team working for the modern and latest equipment with the nanotechnology even use the part of invention as soon as it develops and is tested, it is then brought to the field instantly instead of waiting till the final product is developed and launched. There are certain concepts regarding the Army and the warrior’s battle suit which might be accomplished in 2020, integrating the nanotechnology.

The basic version of the final suit is:

Helmet - The helmet houses a GPS receiver, radio and the wide and local-area network connections. Warrior Physiological Status Monitoring System - This layer of the suit is the closest to the body and contains sensors that

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monitor physiological indicators, such as heart rate, blood pressure and hydration. The suit relays the information to medics and field commanders. By this not only will Future Force Warriors know more about their fellow soldiers, but they also will know more about their own physiological condition. All the statistics are monitored by the soldier and by medics and commanding officers who might be miles away. Knowing the condition of a squad of soldiers allows the commanders to make better plans. [6]The helmet also includes a GPS receiver, providing commanders with exact positioning data on their troops. Another vital component of battle is the communication between soldiers. The Warrior will use sensors that measure vibrations of the cranial cavity, eliminating the need for an external microphone. This bone-conduction technology allows soldiers to communicate with one another, and it also controls the menus visible through the drop-down eyepiece. The helmet has 360-degree situational awareness and voice amplification. What this allows to do is to know where that gunman round or mortar round came from, but at the same time it will cancel out noise at a certain decibel so as not to cause the damage to the warrior’s ears. The situation-awareness technology also allows soldiers to: detect other soldiers in front of them up to a couple of kilometers away focus in on a particular sound and amplify it. Powering the entire suit is a 2- to 20-watt micro turbine generator fuelled by a liquid hydrocarbon. A plug-in cartridge containing 10 ounces of fuel can power the soldier's uniform for up to six days. Battery patches embedded in the helmet provide three hours of back-up power.

Liquid Body Armour - This liquid body armour is made from magnetorheological fluid, a fluid

that remains in a liquid state until the application of a magnetic field. When an electrical pulse is applied, the armour transitions from a soft state to a rigid state in thousandths of a second. With advances in ballistics, armies must develop better body armour. One type of modern body armour, first developed in the 1960s, liquid body armour is made out of advanced

woven fibres that can be

sewn into vests and other soft clothing. More commonly known as Dupont Kevlar, this is one of the many body armour solutions currently employed by U.S. Forces. Another type of armour,[14] SAPI plates, or "small arms protective insert" plates, are hardened ceramic composite plates inserted into a soldier's fragmentation protective vest in both the forward and back torso pockets. Now, scientists are working on a new breed of armour made from magnetorheological called as MR fluids -- liquid body armour. The Warrior is protected by liquid body armor built into his or her uniform. One type of MR fluid consists of small iron particles suspended in silicon oil. The oil prevents the particles from rusting. The fluid transforms from liquid to solid in just milliseconds when a magnetic field or electrical current is applied to it. The current causes the iron particles to lock into a uniform polarity and stack on top of each other, creating an impenetrable shield. How hard the substance becomes depends on the strength of the magnetic field or electrical current. Once the charge or magnetic field is removed, the particles unlock, and the substance goes back to a fluid state. MR fluid will fill small pockets in the Warrior’s uniform fabric. The uniforms will be wired to allow an electrical current to pass through the fabric. The electrical current will be controlled by the onboard computer system and will automatically charge the MR fluid when there is a ballistic threat present. MIT scientists who are developing the liquid body armour say that it will take five to 10 years to make the substance fully bullet resistant.

Exoskeleton - The exoskeleton is made of lightweight, composite devices that attach to the legs and augment the soldier's strength. Superhuman strength has always been confined to science fiction, but advances in human-performance augmentation systems could give soldiers the ability to lift hundreds of pounds using the effort they would usually use to lift a fraction of that weight. In the shoulder of the Warrior uniform is a fabric filled with nanomachines that mimic the action of human muscles, flexing open and shut when stimulated by an electrical pulse. These nanomachines will create lift the way muscles do and augment overall lifting ability by 25 to 35 percent. [15] The exoskeleton attached to the lower body of the soldier will provide even more strength. The overall exoskeleton will provide up to 300

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percent greater lifting and load-carrying capability. [5]DARPA has certain projects and is immensely working on the exoskeleton using the Nanotechnology. The exoskeleton makes the soldier become a weapons platform. With this added strength, weapons can be mounted directly to the uniform system. In the concept uniform the exoskeleton is the protruding composite material. The exoskeleton will merge structure, power, control, actuation and biomechanics. There are some of the challenges that DARPA has outlined for the exoskeleton:

Structural materials - The exoskeleton will have to be made out of composite materials that are strong, lightweight and flexible.

Power source - The exoskeleton must have enough power to run for at least 24 hours before refueling.

Control - Controls for the machine must be seamless. Users must be able to function normally while wearing the device.

Actuation - The machine must be able to move smoothly so it's not too awkward for the wearer. Actuators must be quiet and efficient.

Biomechanics - Exoskeletons must be able to shift from side to side and front to back, just as a person would move in battle.

Together, these subsystems combine to create a uniform that informs, protects and enhances the abilities of its wearer.

The value of enemy reconnaissance depends on how quickly that information can be relayed to the soldier on the battlefield. The soldiers of the future will have more information immediately available to them than ever before. The U.S. Army currently employs a system called Blue Force Tracker (BFT). [16] The system enables a commander to get a real-time picture of the battlefield from his or her personal computer. The commanders can then track individual unit movement and provide this information to friendly units. The U.S. Marines have used BFT, although

they initially opted for a more portable and rugged system called the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System, or "ePLRS." Both ePLRS and BFT share the same goal: real-time tracking of friendly forces. The downside to both systems, however, is that they are bulky, somewhat dated and require computers with operators who could otherwise be carrying a weapon.

[IV] Impact: Human body & the Environment

Will military nanotechnology lead to a new arms race like the nuclear arms race of the Cold War, leading to global confrontation between the world’s superpowers? It is difficult to predict how the technology will be developed and the implications for global policy. However, it is safe to assume that nanotechnology create new challenges for governments in dealing with the security and political stability. However, there are still certain questions which needs great consideration and needs to be answered before the Technology is developed in totality wherein at the most the solutions need to be thought about.

Problems facing nanotechnology are different at various stages of development, that is, the concerns that arise vary from those of an emerging technology to those of a mature technology with an established market. Based on the Military and its implications only the problems which need to be answered are:

• What important environmental pollution and health hazards might result from military uses of nanomaterials?

• The military is no doubt improving uniforms, equipment, weapons, and energy and intelligence systems with nanotech materials. As these are discarded, lost, damaged, and/or altered by use, it is assumed that the nanomaterials might enter the human body and the environment as well. So what is the safety against this?

• Once in the body, can nanoparticles evade natural defenses of humans and other animals?

• What are the most useful methodologies and protocols for environmental pollution and health hazard studies for the range of nanotechnologies?

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There are several various threats posed to the society as far as the Technology is concerned. [17] Serious ethical problems Risks to human and environmental

safety

Socio-economic disruption

A deadly nanotech arms race

[V] Conclusions

However, the technology is indeed very fascinating and with the great power with which it can do wonders, it also brings with it the threats and the problems related to the nature. No doubt about the technology as today is the age of the micro technology, while tomorrow due to the emerging technology it opens up the window for the nano and miniature technology which solves the tremendous problems in the industrial technology but the only facet which we at this point are neglecting is of the dangers it poses to the human, environment as well as the civil life too! However, sooner or later this needs to be addressed in order to avoid the social detrimental as well the socio economic life!

[VI] References [1]Ratner, Mark, and Daniel Ratner. 2003. Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall [2]K. Eric Drexler and Chris Peterson, with Gayle Pergamit: Unbounding the future: the nanotechnology revolution. [3]Hall, J. Storrs - NanoFuture , chapters 1,2 & 3 [4]Dr. Edwin L.Thomas, Director, Dr.William Peters, Executive Director, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Nanotechnology and its impact on Industry pg.9 [5]DARPA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency article on the Exoskeleton

[6]Talbot, David. 2002. Super soldiers, Technology Review October 2002

[7]Altmann, Jurgen. 2004. Anticipating military nanotechnology, IEEE Technology and Society Magazine 23(4):33-40.

[8]Richard Feynman – There’s plenty of room at the Bottom

[9]Tolles, W.M. 2000. National security aspects of nanotechnology, Societal Implications of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, edited by Mihail C. Roco and Williams Sims Bainbridge, Boston, MA: Kluwer, 218-237.

[10]Keiper, Adam. 2003. The nanotechnology revolution, The New Atlantis 17-34.

[11]Drexler, K. Eric. 2001. Machine-phase nanotechnology, Scientific American 285(3):74-75

[12]Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Uncertainties. Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, July 2004 http://www.nanotec.org.uk/finalReport.htm The Nanotech Report 2004, Lux Research, New York 2004 http://www.luxresearchinc.com/tnr2004. [13] Altmann, Jurgen, Jan2005 - Limiting military uses of nanotechnology & converging technologies. [14] How the future force warrior works – http://science.howstuffworks.com/ffw3.

[15] Project Horizon, Military tactical Gear: http://www.rangermade.us/store/catalog/Army_Technology.php

[16] The Army space Journal, a professional journal for army space operators, Fall 2004 Vol 3, No.2.

[17] Georgia Miller - Overview of the Science of the Problems it brings. May 2006.