In this report the author is presenting the advances made in the atomic and molecular nanotechnology, ability to systematically organize and manipulate properties and behavior of matter in the atomic and molecular levels. It is argued that through nanotechnology it has become possible to create functional devices, materials and systems on the 1 to 100 nanometer (one billionth of a meter) length scale.

The reasons why nanoscale has become so important are presented. Historical aspects of nanotechnology are introduced starting with the famous 1959 lecture by R.P. Feynman. It is suggested to name the nanometer scale the Feynman (Φnman) scale after Feynman’s great contributions to nanotechnology (1 Feynman [Φ] .10^-9 meter =10^-3 Micron [µ]=10 Angstroms [Å]). Recent inventions and discoveries in atomic and molecular aspects of nanotechnology are presented and the ongoing related research and development activities are introduced.

It is anticipated that the breakthroughs and developments in nanotechnology will be quite frequent in the coming years. Development of an international initiative through the avenues of the United Nations for a more just global impact of this technology is recommended.

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