Up until now, two-dimensional structures built through X-ray lithography and nano-imprinting have been commonly used as materials for MEMS devices and microprocessors. Potentially though, microprocessors could be made faster and memory devices could function better with the use of 3-D structures. And since the usual techniques can’t create the more complex 3-D forms, further study of the matter is expected.
As of current, MIT scientists are looking into developing the basic principles of what they call “nano-origami,” which is the process of folding materials to form 3-D structures. They serve different purposes in different devices. For example, in capacitors, the more folds there are, the more energy is stored. In memory devices on the other hand, there is possibility for faster information flow. And since everything is in nano-scale, we could be expecting super-fast, super-efficient Lilliputian electronic devices in the future if ever the technology is fully-developed. To get a feel of what nano-origami is, check out the video above of a polymer sheet being folded through currents flowing through wires embedded in the material.
