Researchers from IBM and ETH Zurich have developed a method for placing minuscule particles on a precise location.
The new technique delivers a printing resolution equivalent to 100,000 dots per inch (dpi). Current printers top out around 1,200-1,500 dpi.
The discovery could eventually allow for printing technology that could be used to create nano-scale wires or ultra-small lenses for use in optical chips.
Big Blue admitted that the technology is still years away from any commercial applications, but the company is hopeful that the breakthrough will help accelerate the development of nanotechnology.
"This method opens up new ways to precisely and efficiently position various kinds of nanoparticles on different surfaces," said IBM Zurich researcher Heiko Wolf.
"[This is] a prerequisite for exploiting the unique properties of such nanoparticles and for making their use economically feasible."
As current methods of constructing chips approach their limits, researchers have looked for new methods to continue shrinking chip sizes. IBM's latest discovery could help in that process.
Liquids embedded with nanoparticles show enhanced performance and stability 21 Feb 2008
Computer chip cooling technology could allow solar cells to operate at temperatures of over 1,600 degrees Celsius, drastically improving efficiency and cutting costs 15 May 2008
Bridgelux and QD Vision are two companies aiming to consign inefficient filament bulbs to history 14 Apr 2008
Big Blue overcomes heat dissipation problems 06 Jun 2008
Green group heralds new energy efficient laptops as major step forward in Apple's environmental performance 15 Oct 2008
Amendment added to Energy Bill that could see feed-in tariffs introduced 15 Oct 2008
More news
Global logistics giant claims thousands of tiny efficiencies can deliver big carbon savings 13 Oct 2008
The entire US financial system may be on the ropes, but according to Richard Seireeni, the recently formed "Salmon Nation" financial network is doing just fine 09 Oct 2008
BusinessGreen.com casts its eye over the simplest means of harnessing some geothermal power 08 Oct 2008 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
