NEMS

NEMS or nanoelectromechanical systems are similar to MEMS but smaller. They hold promise to revolutionize abilities to measure small displacements and forces at a molecular scale, and are related to nanotechnology.

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There are two approaches most researchers accept as standard paths to NEMS. The top-down approach can be summarized as "a set of tools designed to build a smaller set of tools". For example, a millimeter sized factory that builds micrometer sized factories which in turn can build nanometer sized devices. The other approach is the bottom-up approach, and can be thought of as putting together single atoms or molecules until a desired level of complexity and functionality has been achieved in a device. Such an approach may utilize self-assembly or mimic molecular biology systems.

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MEMS: Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the technology of the very small, and merges at the nanoscale into "Nano Electro-Mechanical Systems" (NEMS) and Nanotechnology. It should not be confused with the hypothetical vision of Molecular nanotechnology....

Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology comprises technological developments on the nanometer scale, usually 0.1 to 100 nm. (One nanometer equals one thousandth of a micrometer or one millionth of a millimeter.) The term has sometimes been applied to microscopic technology. This article discusses nanotechnology, nanoscience...

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