Weak forces are strong enough to align semiconductor nanoparticles

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered that atomic forces thought to be "weak" can actually exert more control than has been understood. The researchers explored the formation of zinc oxide through a process in which individual nanoparticles act as building blocks that attach to each other to form a larger crystal. This discovery could help better predict and eventually control manufacturing of semiconductor materials used in electronics and other industrial applications.