CIRCUITS GET SMALLER - Researchers at the University of Toronto have created
what could be the smallest circuit ever built, capable, they say, of being closed by a
single electron. Al-Amin Dhirani, lead researcher for the project, said, "Such a circuit
could make possible a biosensor that is activated by the reaction of just one molecule."
The device works by sending electrons from a metal tip to an extremely small cantilever
coated with gold. An electron on the lever then pulls the lever to the tip, closing the
circuit. Some nanotechnology experts were skeptical of the new device, saying the
methods used to observe the nanoparticle circuits are suspect. Others, however,
defended the research as an important step in opening doors for new applications in
a potentially wide range of fields of study. (NewsFactor Network, 6 Jan 03 - Edupage
6 Jan 03) http://www.newsfactor.com/perl/story/20377.html