Sharp’s Molecular Beam Epitaxy machine births components in its space-like womb (video)

A machine that builds other machines? Seems like robot apocalypse time — except it is not. This component-building, space-mimicking chamber of liquid nitrogen-cooled sterility gives birth to LEDs, not that child from A.I. Housed in Sharp’s Oxford Laboratory, the Molecular Beam Epitaxy machine moves atoms “almost individually…to construct the premise of high tech electronics.” By using magnetic poles at the contraption’s exterior (almost like in foosball), researchers can virtually manipulate substrates and elements, making an allowance for precise control and untainted crystal growth. While this MBE isn’t exactly new tech — larger commercial-grade versions exist already — it’s noteworthy for its innovative petri-vaccum abilities. In any case, progress has to begin somewhere. Click past the break for the ominously toned video explanation.

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This post is tagged: apocalypse time, high tech electronics, oxford laboratory, precise control, video explanation