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NEMS in just 30 minutes
Alex Zettl of "nano radio" fame was a big hit this morning with his whistlestop tour of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). First up was the use of CNT's to probe biological systems. Coating a CNT with linker molecules, known as mucin mimics, makes the carbon structure compatible with its cell target. Zettl sees CNT probes as a gentler alternative to current biological injection techniques, which can damage or even burst cells.
"The CNT is not used as a hypodermic, instead active molecules are placed on the outside of the probe," Zettl told the audience. "The chemistry has been designed so that the linker molecules will release the active material when they enter the cell."
Switching from cell manipulation to electronics, Zettl moved on to the subject of nanoresonators. He showed some great SEM images of CNTs being "telescoped" in and out of each other to change the structure's resonant frequency, but the best was left until last.
With a broad smile on his face, Zettl played a recording of Eric Clapton's "Layla" as captured by a fully integrated radio receiver made from a single carbon nanotube. The proof of concept opens the door to incredibly compact, low-power wireless communication. For example, between a network of sensors.
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