(December 22, 2003) Norwalk, Conn.&#8212Nanotechnology tools and instruments are the hardware, software and supplies used to measure and manipulate structures on the nanoscale. They include microscopes, probes, lithography systems, manipulation and fabrication systems, software and other accessories. Rarely are these instruments unique to nanotechnologies. Most of them were developed in other industries, especially in semiconductor and chipmaking, where submicron manufacturing principles have fueled the communications explosion. Chemistry, physics, biology and materials science have also had a significant impact, and it is in this interdisciplinarity that nanotechnology is unique.