A system can generate high functionality from interaction of many functional components.  Namely, "methodology to realize complex arrangement of various functional components" is the essential to realize high functional system.  The functionality of MEMS/MS/LSI on which functional components are simply arranged in a periodic order is limited.  Therefore, programmed self-assembly is a key technology to make it possible to realize high functional MEMS/MS/LSI with nanoscale functional components. 
A methodology recently proposed by the author makes it possible to realize a system in which microscale functional components are arranged at a specific position following a specific sequence.  This methodology can be called as a "Programmable self-assembly" and its concept is shown in Fig. 1.  The microscale functional components have a simple ordered structure of nanoscale components on their surface which is possible to be realized by conventional self-assembly techniques as mentioned previously.  Figure shows an example using four different cubic building blocks of a few  m size.  Each of the four building blocks has a pattern composed of nanoparticles with different configuration such as straight, T, cross, and corner.  The pattern can be composed of single line of nanoparticles or parallel lines of nanoparticles.  These patterns can be utilized as a waveguide by arranging these building blocks at a specific sequence based on a waveguide pattern on a plane.  This concept can be applicable to various applications such as nano-photonics, nano-plasmonics and nano-catalyst.  In case of nano-catalyst, this approach is expected to provide unique solution to realize new functional catalysts by arranging different materials with different functions such as receptor, 1st step reactor and 2nd step reactor.
The programmability can be realized using DNA as an intelligent adhesive.  

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