Random access memories require constant power to offer their fast access speeds, but can't be scaled to as small a size as slower nonvolatile flash memories. Now researchers believe they can combine the high-speed of RAM with the nonvolatility of flash by using telescopic nanotubes. Ultra-dense nano-electro-mechanical system (NEMS) arrays could offer molecular sized memory cells that are as fast as RAM but nonvolatile like flash by harnessing concentric nanotubes that turn bits on and off by running current through the tubes to make the inner one stick out or stay inside the outer nanotube.
Text: http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212002093
Audio: http://homepage.mac.com/guitarmedia/interviews/Telescopic-08-11-12.mp3
