http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/archive/index.php/t-3939.html
transverse compressional surface interferometry
On a microscopic scale construct an array of 1024 by 1024 high
frequency sound emitting nodes. You can do that by etching pits into a
substrate in whatever scale of emitters is practical using current
technology. The array is triggered node by node in as rapid a sequence
as practical given the receptor array's data gathering or processing
speed capabilities. The receptor array is precisely the same geometry
as the emitter array and the two are mounted on the same chip
substrate. Sonic waves are transverse. The object under study echoes
back the sound waves as the instrument chip passes nearby across the
object under study. Congratulations folks! You now have your star trek
style tri-corder or Dr. McCoy's little handheld dingus...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fullerene
Emitters are piezo-electic substances (try quartz) at the bottom of
the well, activated by electrical current at whatever speed is
necessary. In the well above the piezo-electric deposition is graphite
bucky-balls or whatever you have available. The bucky-balls are
contained by an extremely thin film glass capstone for each well.
Receptors are a no-brainer, just the same as the emitters...
Lonnie Courtney Clay