Practical method and means for mechanosynthesis and assembly of precise nanostructures and materials including diamond, programmable systems for performing same; devices and systems produced thereby, and applications thereof

摘要

The present invention features compositions for mechanosynthetic tool molecules useful as mechanosynthetic tools and improving over those proposed heretofore, novel uses of extant materials as mechanosynthetic tools, novel methods for improving the design of mechanosynthetic tools, methods for attachment of mechanosynthetic tool molecules to structural support members, methods for mechanosynthesis of precise nanostructures, novel uses of extant materials as starting seeds for mechanosynthetic products, novel modifications of nanostructures and the formation of patterns thereof, and novel uses of modifications of nanostructures as electrically conducting nanowires useful in electronic devices, photovoltaic devices and communications devices. Related electromechanosynthetic deposition of a metal using similar methods and means are likewise disclosed. Methods and means are provided for the fabrication of devices for performing the mechanosyntheses of the present invention including systems themselves capable of the self- or allo-replication of such systems, and also of device growth or expansion via autofabrication and autoassembly. Additionally, the foregoing methods are applied in the fabrication and assembly of novel actuator devices, nanoelectromechanical digital logic devices, analyte detection devices including devices for performing biomolecular and chemical assays, including detection of specific polynucleotides, and fluidic devices. Combinations of the foregoing enable the production of novel materials processing devices and systems disclosed as aspects of the present invention, including materials processing systems useful in processing environmental pollutants or raw materials, particularly also such devices which either themselves are or are produced by self- or allo-replicated systems.