Electrical Current to Nanoscale System

Material scientists have demonstrated the transduction of optical radiation to electrical current in a molecular circuit. The system with an array of nano-sized molecules respond to electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it simplifies to a higher efficiency in energy harvesting nano-sized circuit. A potential application of photovoltaic circuits include data storage where the data corresponding to wavelengths of light. A new series of devices in which plasmon-controlled electrical properties of a single molecule can be designed with diverse applications such as plasmonic circuits and energy harvesting devices.

Reference: Science Daily

Research Inspired by Wings

Insect wings have evolved into incredible nanoscopic material structures. Some wings are superhydrophobic, meaning they cannot become wet and the tiniest droplet of water is instantly repelled. Researchers are now using insect wings as a model for making self-cleaning. frictionless and superhydrophobic materials. If successful, development of self-cleaning, water-resistant and friction-free coatings for a range of machine components, construction materials and other applications, including nano- and micro- electromechanical systems. The team has carried out atomic force microscopy analysis of the surface of insect wings in order to determine the forces with which fine dust particles stick, or rather don't stick to the wing. The work confirms that only very small forces are needed to shed nanoscopic dust particles, two to twenty nano-Newtons.

Reference:

Micro and nanostructures found on insect wings - designs for minimising adhesion and friction. Int. J. Nanomanufacturing, 2010, 5, 112-128

Optomechanical Crystal Confines Light and Sound

Physicists and engineers at the California Institute of Technology have developed a nano-scale crystal that traps both light and sound. The interaction of light quanta and sound quanta are strong enough to produce significant mechanical vibrations. Frequencies as high as gigahertz can give devices the ability to send large amounts of information.

Reference: SlashDot