Explaining how nanotechnology works and looking at recent advances and the future of the field, this book offers a simple, brief, almost math-free introduction for nonscientists. Early chapters give background on concepts needed to understand nanotechnology, and later chapters visit research laboratories, look at breakthroughs in smart materials, electronics, and optics, and discuss the relationship of nanotechnology to society. Color illustrations are included. Mark Ratner teaches chemistry at Northwestern University; Daniel Ratner is an engineer and technology entrepreneur. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)