Nanowire Animation (IMAGE) DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Caption This animation shows molecular building blocks joining the tip of a growing nanowire. Each block consists of a diamondoid -- the smallest possible bit of diamond -- attached to sulfur and copper atoms (yellow and brown spheres). Like LEGO blocks, they only fit together in certain ways that are determined by their size and shape. The copper and sulfur atoms form a conductive wire in the middle, and the diamondoids form an insulating outer shell. Credit SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.