Agreed. In this early stage, though, I think the nanotech industry can be permitted momentary macroses of perspective.
However, if the nanotech sector manages to use magnetics or field manipulation in conjunction with a current in order to induce the fold (with some precision), and can keep the pathways (and the requisite etchers) tiny enough to allow the current to pass, successful micronization of both the assemblers, and the resulting constructions, to the nano level is foreseeable.
Can Gallivan's folding limit equation be applied to a (yet undefined) function to measure the effectiveness of the successful folding of various materials? I would presume that different materials would exhibit different degrees of capacitance, resistance and all those other electricky *tances; different methods of folding (i.e. straight versus halved) may either modify, or be modified by, the material composition.
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However, if the nanotech sector manages to use magnetics or field manipulation in conjunction with a current in order to induce the fold (with some precision), and can keep the pathways (and the requisite etchers) tiny enough to allow the current to pass, successful micronization of both the assemblers, and the resulting constructions, to the nano level is foreseeable.
One may keep in mind progress (PDF) so far with nanomechanics (HTML).
IBM's recent work with atom manipulation could certainly assist in this endeavor, too.
Can Gallivan's folding limit equation be applied to a (yet undefined) function to measure the effectiveness of the successful folding of various materials? I would presume that different materials would exhibit different degrees of capacitance, resistance and all those other electricky *tances; different methods of folding (i.e. straight versus halved) may either modify, or be modified by, the material composition.
Incredible. Figure it'd be The Onion to bring the TRUTH to the front of the mess. I could not do the matter justice, alas.