Nanoelectromechanical switch systems (NEMSS) that are structured around
the mechanical manipulation of nanotubes are provided. Such NEMSS can
realize the functionality of, for example, automatic switches, adjustable
diodes, amplifiers, inverters, variable resistors, pulse position
modulators (PPMs), and transistors.In one embodiment, a nanotube is
anchored at one end to a base member. The nanotube is also coupled to a
voltage source. This voltage source creates an electric charge at the tip
of the free-moving-end of the nanotube that is representative of the
polarity and intensity of the voltage source. The free-moving end of this
nanotube can be electrically controlled by applying an electric charge to
a nearby charge member layer that is either of the same (repelling) or
opposite (attracting) polarity of the nanotube. A contact layer is then
placed in the proximity of the free-moving end of the nanotube such that
when a particular electric charge is placed on the nanotube, the nanotube
electrically couples the contact layer.