Introduction

NanoMapper is a nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) knowledge mapping system developed by the Artificial Intelligence Lab at the University of Arizona. NanoMapper enables users to search for patents(1976/1978-2006)/grants(1991-2006) by patent/grant number, keywords and other data fields; NanoMapper also provide analysis tools. This research project was supported by the National Science Foundation.

Nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) is a fundamental technology revolutionizing a wide range of application domains. Nanotechnology has been recognized as a critical indicator for a country's technological competence. In 2000, the United States announced the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and now, more than 60 countries have adopted national projects or programs partially stimulated by the establishment of NNI. In recent years, many nanotechnology-related research developments have been explored across various laboratories, companies, industries and countries.

The NanoMapper system aims to provides one-stop access to nanotechnology patents from three patent offices (USPTO, EPO, and JPO) and to nanotechnology grants from NSF. In-depth analysis of this nanotechnology information is also available to allow a better understanding of the area's development. Three types of analysis techniques have been utilized: bibliographic analysis, content map analysis, and citation network analysis. The tools provided are flexible and can be used to analyze nanotechnology's development across different time spans.