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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.'"

5 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. Awesome! by butterwise · · Score: 4, Funny

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

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    If a baby duck is a "duckling," why would anyone want to eat "dumplings?"
  2. 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."

  3. 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.
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    No kidding!!! What do you say at this point?
  4. In other news... by EvilSpudBoy · · Score: 4, Funny

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

  5. 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.

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    668: Neighbour of the Beast