jbates@cs.cmu.edu (Joseph Bates) (04/19/91)
Last month I visited Ralph Merkle at Xerox PARC. He is a computer
scientist, but he has recently started some work on computational
aspects of nanotechnology.
He is looking at two issues: the gradual design of a mechanical
nanocomputer and molecular modeling by machine. He felt that these
two areas were more or less amenable to people with a CS background.
A "reasonable" effort in learning molecular mechanics would allow
useful research to be done.
As some of you know, I try to follow this area. I also would be
happy if CMU started some kind of work in the area. Thus:
- If you please, I would like to hear from you if you read this
newsgroup at CMU (to get a measure of general interest here).
A very brief message (eg, just a title) would be fine.
- If you are a student or researcher who could in principle imagine
actually doing work in the field then I'd like to know that, also.
We have the computing hardware to work on both of Ralph's research
topics, if we want. You certainly needn't be in CS to respond.
- If you think there would be some genuine benefit to organizing a
nanotech study group at CMU, please briefly tell me why.
Hoping to hear from you.
Joe Bates (SCS faculty)