nanostructure
/ˈneɪ.noʊˌstrʌk.tʃər/
Definition
A physical arrangement or component of a material characterized by features on the scale of nanometers (billionths of a meter), often used to manipulate light or energy at a microscopic level.
Etymology
The word is a compound of the prefix 'nano-' (derived from the Greek 'nanos', meaning 'dwarf') and the noun 'structure' (from the Latin 'structura', meaning 'a fitting together or building'). It emerged in the late 20th century to describe engineering and scientific advancements at the molecular or atomic scale.
In the news
The article describes a nanostructure on a photonic chip that acts as an artificial neuron, enabling the device to perform energy-efficient calculations using light. This technology is highlighted as a sustainable alternative to traditional, energy-hungry computing hardware.
Australia to legally require large-scale data centers to secure new clean energy supplies
Read the full article ↗pv magazine Global