limited the quality of electron- ics on plastics, which melt at such growth temperatures." By using a "bottom-up" approach, involving the assembly of preformed nanoscale building blocks into functional devices, the researchers have been able to apply a film of nanowires to glass or plastics long after growth and to do SO at room temperature. Using a liquid solution of the silicon nanowires, the researchers demonstrated that they can deposit the silicon onto glass or plastic surfaces-similar to applying the ink of a laser printer to a piece of paper-to make functional nanowire devices. They also showed that nanowires applied to plastic can be bent or deformed into various shapes without degrading performance, a plus for making the electronics more durable. According to Lieber, the first devices made with the new nanowire tech- nology will probably improve on existing devices such as smart cards and LCD displays, which utilize conventional amorphous silicon and organic semicon- ductors that are comparatively slow and already approaching their techno- logical limitations. Within the next decade, consumers could see more exotic applications of this nanotechnology, Lieber says. "One could imagine, for NUTS AND BITS-TELECOM HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND MORE instance, contact lenses with displays and miniature computers on them, SO that you can experience a virtual tour of a new city as you walk around wearing them on your eyes, or alternatively harness this power to create a vision system that enables someone who has impaired vision or is blind to 'see'." The military should also find practical use for this technology, says Lieber. One problem soldiers encounter is the tremendous weight-up to 100 pounds-that they carry in personal equipment, including electronic devices. "The light weight and durability of our plastic nanowire electronics could allow for advanced displays on robust, shock-resistant plastic that can with- stand significant punishment while minimizing the weight a soldier carries," says Lieber. Many challenge