Skip to main content
Public engagement resources for the Monday April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse
Learn more >

Scientific Image - Spin Torsion Oscillator

Magnified image of nanomechanical torsion oscillator using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

DESCRIPTION

This scanning electron micrograph shows a nanomechanical torsion oscillator used by computer engineers to measure extremely small amounts of torque. A nanomechanical torsion oscillator is used to measure extremely small torsion or twisting forces smaller than those created by the untwisting of a strand of DNA. When current passes from magnetic into non-magnetic materials, the directional spins of the electrons flip at the boundary, producing a mechanical torque. This device can measure the torque in a metallic nanowire with unprecedented sensitivity. This approach to measuring torque has applications in spintronics as well as in fundamental physics, chemistry, and biology, and is particularly important in the hard disc industry. • SIZE: The nanowire at the center of this image has a diameter of about 80 nm. • IMAGING TOOL: Scanning electron microscope

JUMP TO BROWSE RELATED RESOURCES

DESCRIPTION

This scanning electron micrograph shows a nanomechanical torsion oscillator used by computer engineers to measure extremely small amounts of torque. A nanomechanical torsion oscillator is used to measure extremely small torsion or twisting forces smaller than those created by the untwisting of a strand of DNA. When current passes from magnetic into non-magnetic materials, the directional spins of the electrons flip at the boundary, producing a mechanical torque. This device can measure the torque in a metallic nanowire with unprecedented sensitivity. This approach to measuring torque has applications in spintronics as well as in fundamental physics, chemistry, and biology, and is particularly important in the hard disc industry. • SIZE: The nanowire at the center of this image has a diameter of about 80 nm. • IMAGING TOOL: Scanning electron microscope

JUMP TO BROWSE RELATED RESOURCES

OBJECTIVES

NANO CONTENT MAP

Nanometer-sized things are very small, and often behave differently than larger things do.

Scientists and engineers have formed the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology by investigating properties and manipulating matter at the nanoscale.

Nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nanoengineering lead to new knowledge and innovations that weren't possible before.

Credits

YEAR CREATED
2014
OWNING INSTITUTION

Raj Mohanty, Boston University - Attribution is required. The creator listed here has made this image available to NISE Network partners for non-profit educational use only. Uses may include but are not limited to reproduction and distribution of copies, creation of derivative works, and combination with other assets to create exhibitions, programs, publications, research, and websites.

PERMISSIONS

The creator listed above has made this image available to NISE Network partners for non-profit educational use only. Uses may include but are not limited to reproduction and distribution of copies, creation of derivative works, and combination with other assets to create exhibitions, programs, publications, research, and websites.