By Stevie Smith Oct 19, 2007, 13:16 GMT
The advances of nano technology seemingly know no bounds, and its potential in the world of consumer electronics has been put in the spotlight today following news of scientists in the US creating a nano-detector capable of translating radio waves into sound.
A team of U.S. scientists have created the world's first nano detector that translates radio signals into sound. Credit: ewels.info
A related BBC report reveals that a team of scientists working out of the University of California have claimed that their nano-sized detector, which is thousands of times smaller than existing technology, is the very first time that such a detector has processed radio wave signals and produced sound.
"Though we have only demonstrated the critical component of the entire radio system out of a nanotube (the demodulator), it is conceivable in the future that all components could be nanoscale, thus allowing a truly nanoscale wireless communications system," wrote team members Peter Burke and Chris Rutherglen regarding their incorporated nanotube detector, which wirelessly transmitted a piece of music from a host iPod music player through to a nearby speaker.
The team’s breakthrough will appear in November via the American Chemical Society’s Nano Letters, and the notable achievement is also likely to prick the ears of watching companies and consumer industry players interested in evaluating the real-world potential of nanotube technology in everyday electronic devices.
Kris Sangani of the Institution of Engineering and Technology told the BBC that, while there are many real-world possibilities to be garnered from microscopic radio technology, related industry challenges regarding the miniaturisation of components such as power supplies, processors and sensors, are presently the main stumbling block to progress.
"Scientists are looking at carbon nanotubes to miniaturise all other technologies as well," he commented. "If you can combine miniaturisation with cost control; that type of technology would be ubiquitous."
page: 1
TechOct 19th, 2007 - 15:18:22
Gaiacomm International global 4G network can be used for all global calls. Terahertz is the new frontier!
Report this comment
Your Talkback on this Story