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At the American Physical Society meeting, Richard Feynman describes foundational aspects of nanotechnology in a talk called "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom."
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Japanese professor, Norio Taniguchi, names the field "Nano-Technology" in a paper.
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The scanning tunneling microscope was invented by Gerd Binning and Heinrich Rohrer. This microscope allowed scientists to see and manipulate individual atoms.
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Rice University researchers discover fullerenes, or buckyballs, which can be used to make carbon nanotubes, which is one of the most abundant nanomaterials today.
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Calvin Quate, Christoph Gerber and Binning collaborate to invent the atomic force microscope, which becomes one of the most used tools for imaging, measuring, and manipulating at the nanoscale.
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At IBM's Almaden Research Center in San Jose, California, Don Eigler and Erhard Schweizer spell out company logo using 35 xenon atoms, demonstrating nanoparticle manipulation.
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Sumio Iijima of NEC creates the carbon nanotube.
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The Interagency Working Group on Nanotechnology is formed by the US government to sponsor workshops and studies to define nanotechnology and further applications.
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Products making use of nanotechnolgy begin appearing in the global marketplace.
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President Bill Clinton establishes the National Nanotechnology Initiative to coordinate federal research and development to promote US competitiveness in the field.
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European Union launches meetings called "Nanoforum" to educate public about new technology.
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Congress enacts 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act to establish programs, assign agency responsibilities, and authorize funding levels for research to address key issues.
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National Research Council criticizes NNI's research strategy, NNI disagrees with NRC's overall conclusion.
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EPA outlines new strategy to further understanding of how manufactured nanomaterials may harm humans and the environment. Manufacturers also now required to inform EPA of their planned applications.
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The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee of the United Kingdom issues a report warning the food industry not to hide its use of nanotechnology.
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EPA says additional language it is requesting would make easier regulation of commercial use of nanomaterial. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee continue revising the 30-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act.
