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Microtech - Data Panel
Definition: Microscopic technology - on the scale of microns Level: Middle Tech to Hi Tech Substrate: integrated circuits may be either silicon or carbon-based; microbots may be built from special alloys or other materials Application: miniaturisation, optical and x-ray lithographic integrated circuits, genetic engineering, infotech, "smart technology", gnatbots and other tiny devices Distribution and Availability: ubiquitous Legal Status: Basic templates and genomes public domain Environmental Requirements: depends on device Popular With: Many clades and phyles of sapient grade and above. Generally used in conjunction with other levels of tech, whether denser (nano) or larger (macro). A few strict luddite clades and microtech-based societies don't allow anything higher than microtech! Comments: Microtech is very widely used as an intermediate technology between macroscale objects and the smaller scales of meso- and nano-tech. It uses microscopic (on the order of micrometers and less) devices such as integrated circuits and MEMS, and includes non-nano genetic engineering. Use is made of information networks and "smart technology" (but not sentient) of using machinery in a more precise and qualitative manner. Because microtech does not require free or slave ai or any form of transingularitan control, it is very popular with some anti-ai prim and ludd groups. However, microtech on its own is not competitive in the modern galaxy, and usually microtech devices are associated with at least some degree of meso- and nanotech |
