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MIT Develops Nanoruler

Makarand writes "MIT Researchers have developed a device to make the most precise rulers - the Nanoruler, whose "ticks" are mere nanometers apart. The Nanoruler can pattern gratings of lines and spaces more accurately than other methods across large surfaces more than 12 inches in diameter, a capability important to a number of applications like preparing larger wafers for the production of computer chips and higher-resolution space telescopes. The Nanoruler works by using interference lithography where two laser beams interfere with each other to produce interference "fringes", or parallel planes of high and low light intensity. These fringes are then recorded onto the surface as lines and spaces using the same techniques used for tracing circuits onto silicon."

4 of 24 comments (clear)

  1. What we need now... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    [read title] ...is the nano slide rule.

  2. to paraphrase the cliche: by LittleBigLui · · Score: 3, Funny

    I, for one, welcome our new nano-rules!

    --
    Free as in mason.
  3. Ha! by wafwot · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now the Nanonuns can show them disrespectful Nanocatholics some discipline!

  4. Finally! by NanoGator · · Score: 4, Funny

    They can now measure the size of your...

    Man I wish I could think of something more original than that. MORE COFFEE!

    --
    "Derp de derp."