Macroscopic and Microscopic [molecular] Gyroscopes

Anant Babu Marahatta
Ph.D. student in Chemistry
Tohoku University, Japan

Fabricating the nano devices on an atomic and molecular scale (referred as Molecular machine) is the major aspect of the Nanotechnology (sometimes shortened to “nanotech”). One of the recent approaches of the nanotech is “molecular self-assembly” which is governed by the concept “can we directly control matter on the atomic scale?” By considering this sort of challenging prospect, several gyroscopes [as shown in fig.] like molecules have been designing / synthesizing.

The similarities between the macroscopic gyroscope and the molecular gyroscope are solely based on their mechanical parts assembled. The macroscopic gyroscope which is used in aircrafts, ships to route them, contain the mechanical parts like spinning axis-axle, rotating part-rotor and the static framework-stator [gimbal] to uphold the rotor by conserving angular momentum.

Just like this, the molecular gyroscope also possesses the similar fundamental mechanical parts which are labeled in the figure. The rotational dynamics of the rotator enclosed into the case of the stator is controlled by the chemistry of the later. The animated view is included herewith.

As the molecular gyroscope is composed of an infinite network [infinite “gyroscope like molecules”] unlike its macroscopic analogue, the dynamics of it must rely on their order and collective behavior in their crystalline state. So, in terms of getting collective output of this network, several challenges must be faced.