February, 2004

Nanomechanics and Nanoelectronics: Molecule-Size Machines
52 pages

This report examines the current state of nanomechanics and nanoelectronics technologies, organizes key issues and puts them in context, and succinctly explains how the technologies work.

Nanotechnology research is aimed at building minuscule machines and electronics and constructing materials molecule-by-molecule. Raw materials include inorganic matter like metals and semiconductors, molecules like polymers and carbon nanotubes, and biological molecules like DNA and proteins.

The technology promises to open the way to faster and lower-power electronics, jewelry-size computers, data storage densities in the realm of several terabits per square centimeter, ultrahigh-bandwidth communications devices, microscopic transmitters and receivers, new types of devices like handheld biological sensors, and inexpensive manufacturing processes.

Near-term nanotech developments will make materials tougher and lubricants slipperier. Longer-term research is focused on developing the basic building blocks of nanoscale technology -- components that are hundreds of times smaller than a red blood cell.

The report includes an executive summary, a list of 18 developments to look for as these cutting-edge technologies take shape, and a section of 25 researchers to watch, including links to their Web pages. It also includes a quick tour of 56 recent developments in eight areas and a section of 42 in-depth news stories from TRN.

The stories are organized into eight categories: carbon nanotube electronics, nanowire electronics, nanowire fabrication, molecular electronics, nanotube mechanics, molecular mechanics, light-driven molecular mechanics and biomolecular mechanics.

TRN's Making the Future reports contain live links, and can be read on a computer, printed and archived.

Buy the the Nanomechanics and Nanoelectronics report for $89.
. You will receive download instructions via email.

Report Sections

Executive Summary:
304 words

Main Report:
4,217 words

How It Works:
994 words

In-Depth Stories:
42 stories, including 31 images

Table of Contents:

Main Report
Race to the bottom
Two worlds
The advantages of smaller
The challenges of smaller
Electronics
Nanotube electronics
Nanowire electronics
Nano light emitters
The stuff of life
Mechanics
Nanotube mechanics
Molecular mechanics
Light-driven molecular mechanics
Biomolecular mechanics
Combined forces
No small matter




How It Works

The physics of the very small
Going ballistic
One at a time
Come closer, but not too close
Sunburned shape shifters
Dancing DNA

In-Depth Story Categories
Carbon nanotube electronics
Nanowire electronics
Nanowire fabrication
Molecular electronics
Nanotube mechanics
Molecular mechanics
Light-driven molecular mechanics
Biomolecular mechanics


Take a look at all available Making the Future reports.

View a four-page sample of the Making the Future report (pdf).

 
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