Study of volcanoes in the outer solar system produces unexpected bonus for nanotechnology

Study of volcanoes in the outer solar system produces unexpected bonus for nanotechnology
Mysterious expanding ice crystals in the moons of Saturn and Neptune may be of interest to future developers of microelectronics. Neutron scattering has discovered that methanol crystals that may be found in outer solar system 'ice lavas' have unusual expansion properties. The unexpected finding by a British planetary geologist using neutrons at the Institut Laue-Langevin and the ISIS neutron source will interest developers of 'nano-switches' -- single atom thick valves used in 'micro-electronics' at the nano scale.

Whilst these results form the next step towards understanding outer solar system volcanic activity, Fortes' discovery is of significant interest for material scientists developing nanotechnology. The predictable expansion of NLC materials in a particular direction under pressure makes them a good candidate for nano-switches where their shape-shifting properties can be used like a microscopic, pressure-controlled valve directing the flow of electricity.
NLC materials are extremely rare wi