They exist only as supercomputer simulations of molecule-sized machine parts produced by a team of researchers at the NASA Ames Research Center . But judging from the modellers' results, such nanostructures are certainly plausible and could have enormous potential. Small and Large Gear Globus and his colleagues at Ames's Numerical Aerospace Simulation Systems Division are among a growing number of investigators who now believe that atom-scale factories will one day produce new structural materials and advanced computer components, and may even act as tiny repairmen. Although most researchers were deeply skeptical of the feasibility of molecular machines, some key developments seem to be bringing them much closer to reality. Nor did the doubters anticipate the discovery of a remarkable class of molecules called fullerenes.
Fullerenes are among the strongest materials known.
And, in 1991, researchers discovered that such interlocked carbon atoms could also be formed into immensely strong, hollow tubes. In the images shown here, the researchers have constructed hypothetical gears by attaching benzene molecules to the outside of the tubes. Helium Cooling Gears are no good unless they rotate, of course. So the researchers turned back to their supercomputer and ran more simulations to produce videos of spinning gears. To drive the gears, Globus and his colleagues simulated a laser that could serve as a motor.