| HOME >> BIOLOGY >> TECHNOLOGY |
Diamonds may be best known as a symbol of long-lasting love. But semiconductor makers are also hoping they'll pan out as key components of long-lasting micromachines if a new method developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for carving these tough, capable crystals proves its worth.* The method offers a precise way to engineer microscopic cuts in a diamond surface, yielding potential benefits in both measurement and technological fields.
By combining their own observations with background gleaned from materials science, NIST semiconductor researchers have found a way to create unique features in diamondpotentially leading to improvements in nanometrology in short order, as it has allowed the team to make holes of precise shape in one of the hardest known substances. But beyond the creation of virtually indestructible nanorulers, the method could one day lead to the improvement of a class of electronic devices useful in cell phones, gyroscopes and medical implants.
Well known for making the hugely complex electronic microchips that run our laptops, the semiconductor industry has expanded its portfolio by fabricating tiny devices with moving parts. Constructed with substantially the same techniques as the electronic chips, these "micro-electromechanical systems," or MEMS, are just a few micrometers in size. They can detect environmental changes such as heat, pressure and acceleration, potentially enabling them to form the basis of tiny sensors and actuators for a host of new devices. But designers must take care that tiny moving parts do not grind to a disastrous halt. One way to make the sliding parts last longer without breaking down is to make them from a tougher material than silicon.
"Diamond may be the ideal substance for MEMS devices," says NIST's Craig McGray. "It can withstand extreme conditions, plus it's able to vibrate at the very high frequencies that new consumer electronics demand. But it's v
'/>"/>
| Contact: Chad Boutin boutin@nist.gov 301-975-4261 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology technology :
1. Americord Registry Presents Abstract on Stem Cell Collection Method at 2011 COSTEM Conference and AABB Meeting
2. Manufacturing method paves way for commercially viable quantum dot-based LEDs
3. Nottingham scientists pioneer new method for nanoribbon production
4. University of Houston develops method for creating single-crystal arrays of graphene
5. Combo method reveals cells signal systems
6. CU method projected to meet DOE cost targets for solar thermal hydrogen fuel production
7. OVA1 Blood Test Detects Ovarian Cancer More Accurately Than Medically Accepted CA 125 Method for Evaluating Women with Ovarian Mass
8. 3-D printing method advances electrically small antenna design
9. Cellular Dynamics International Scientists Report on Efficient Method to Produce Footprint-Free Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Under Feeder-Free Conditions
10. Penn physicists develop scalable method for making graphene
11. Stretched rubber offers simpler method for assembling nanowires
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |