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. Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) is the technology of the very small, and merges at the nanoscale into Nanoelectromechanical Systems (NEMS) and Nanotechnology. ... A mite next to a gear set produced using MEMS, the precursor to nanotechnology. ...

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. Properties For alternative meanings see atom (disambiguation). ... In science, a molecule is the smallest particle of a pure chemical substance that still retains its chemical composition and properties. ... Self-assembly is the fundamental principle which generates structural organization on all scales from molecules to galaxies. ... Molecular biology is the study of biology at a molecular level. ...

External links

• Latest News and Research Articles in Nanotechnology
• Nanoelectromechanical systems face the future
• The MEMS and Nanotechnology Clearinghouse / The world's most popular portal for Nanotechnology information, jobs, and events
• The MEMS and Nanotechnology Exchange / A repository of Nanotechnology fabrication information