Scottish scientists have constructed the world's smallest engine. The device is made of individual atoms. Micro- or rather, the nanomotor is bar-shaped with a ring strung on the crossbar. The fuel for the engine is light, which makes, that the ring moves to the right or left and can thus sort different molecules. This is a phenomenon known in nature, takes place, for example, through photosynthesis.
Similar to the Scottish nanosilinika particles, called rotaxanes are already used in electronics, for example, in modern computer memory chips. However, researchers at the University of Edinburgh want, for their device to power an entire generation of nanomachines with various applications.
The smallest engine in the world
