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Single Nanotube Becomes World's Smallest Radio

Posted by kdawson on from the play-misty-for-me dept.

Invisible Pink Unicorn writes "Researchers at the National Science Foundation have utilized a single carbon nanotube to perform all the functions of a standard radio, acting as an antenna, tunable filter, amplifier, and demodulator. They were then able to tune in a radio signal generated in the room and play it back through an attached speaker. The device is functional across a bandwidth widely used for commercial radio. From the NSF: 'The source content for the first laboratory test of the radio was "Layla," by Derek and the Dominos, followed soon after by "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys.'"

24 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. Apple Product Announcement by TheDrewbert · · Score: 2, Funny

    The Apple iTube. Don't buy just one, buy the whole series.

    --
    http://www.CelloFourteGroupie.net
    1. Re:Apple Product Announcement by Soko · · Score: 2, Funny

      The Apple iTube. Don't buy just one, buy the whole series.

      Quick - someone call Ted Series of Tubes Stevens - we found what he's looking for.

      Soko

      --
      "Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm." - Anonymous
  2. Awesome! by butterwise · · Score: 4, Funny

    At that scale, you can actually see the radio waves...

    --
    If a baby duck is a "duckling," why would anyone want to eat "dumplings?"
    1. Re:Awesome! by pwnies · · Score: 3, Funny

      It is somewhat saddening that they have to put that disclaimer there that "The waves shown in this image were added for visual effect, and are not part of the original microscope image".

  3. Public Perfromance by josephtd · · Score: 2, Funny

    We're they paying royalties to the RIAA? RIAA vs. NSF coming soon to a Federal Court near you.

  4. a "Mr. Watson. Come Here. I need you." moment by circletimessquare · · Score: 2, Funny

    the day mankind gave the gift of Howard Stern and American Top 40 and the traffic report to bacteria

    --
    intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
    1. Re:a "Mr. Watson. Come Here. I need you." moment by Soko · · Score: 1, Funny

      the day mankind gave the gift of Howard Stern and American Top 40 and the traffic report to bacteria

      *blink*

      Gift? That list sounds like we're trying to find a new way to kill them.

      Soko

      --
      "Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm." - Anonymous
  5. We're gonna need by ackthpt · · Score: 3, Funny

    We're gonna need a bigger tin-foil hat.

    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
    1. Re:We're gonna need by eonlabs · · Score: 2, Funny

      We're going to need... Many smaller ones

      --
      I wouldn't consider the mad hatter mad. Just reality impaired. He sure can make a mean cup of tea.
  6. They're going to make a fortune... by pwnies · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...on people losing these things. "Damnit, where's my radio? Did I lose it again!? Oh wait here it is... no... that's pocket lint."

  7. Science press releases: God's gift to surrealism by Sockatume · · Score: 4, Funny

    Returning to Zettl's runner analogy, the vibrating nanotube is akin to a ditch with a constantly changing width.


    I really do love the analogies we use to describe quantum-mechanical or relativistic behavior. Even the best ones start off comprehensible but rapidly morph into the deranged land of our most cheese-fuelled nightmares.
    --
    No kidding!!! What do you say at this point?
  8. In other news... by EvilSpudBoy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Perfoming rights organizations, BMI and ASCAP, want a fee for every carbon nanotube sold.

  9. How do I tune in to another station!! by The+Assistant · · Score: 2, Funny

    The radio is a single carbon nanotube, right?

    It must be real difficult reading the display (or dial) to see what station you're tuned in to!!!! ;)

  10. Up next for the NSF researchers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    A nanotube version of the worlds smallest violin.

  11. I can just wait by Joseph1337 · · Score: 2, Funny

    When the internet will be upped from normal tubes to nanotubes. Web 2.0 IS COMING!

  12. I wonder by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...if these can be used in dentistry, as tooth fillings.

  13. Who cares! by Funkcikle · · Score: 2, Funny

    No wireless. Less space than a Nomad. Lame.

  14. Worker of the Week award goes to.... by PHAEDRU5 · · Score: 4, Funny

    ....Inanimate Carbon Rod!

    I can't believe we've overlooked this week's winner for so very, very long.

    --
    668: Neighbour of the Beast
  15. Steve just called .... by BenBoy · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... I'm afraid "nano" is trademarked for audio devices ... please cease and desist in the use of this term in this connection ...

  16. this reminds me... by freg · · Score: 3, Funny

    This is actually smaller than the iPod Zepto: http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2005/11/28fitch.html

  17. Tubes vs. Transistors by chiph · · Score: 2, Funny

    So, do nano-scale carbon tubes sound better than transistors?
    Or, only if you use oxygen-free silver interconnects the size of a garden hose?

    Chip H.

  18. Why? by pitchpipe · · Score: 1, Funny

    Why are we regressing back to 'tube radios?

    --
    Look where all this talking got us, baby.
  19. Re:And how much of that by saider · · Score: 2, Funny

    I prefer the litigation services of Dewey, Cheatum, & Howe.

    nyuk, nyuk

    --


    Remember, You are unique...just like everyone else.
  20. Low res picture for those using lower bandwidths. by east+coast · · Score: 2, Funny

    . --Radio

    (Shown larger than actual size)

    --
    Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.