November 10, 2012

Mini Mover and Shaker: Single-Molecule "Engine" Vibrates Macro Object




The random motion of a hydrogen molecule can drive the oscillation of a much larger structure

A single hydrogen molecule just might be a real-life little engine that could, according to a new study. It would be hard to imagine an engine much tinier.

Physicists in Germany and Spain have demonstrated that a hydrogen molecule dancing between two possible positions can induce regular vibration of a nearby cantilever—essentially a miniature tuning fork made of quartz.


journal reference (abstract free): Science >>