Atomiselles

Atomiselles are a fictional class of nanoscale building blocks described in speculative physics and science fiction. The term blends atom and the diminutive -elle to evoke ultra-small units that can be treated as programmable atoms. In imagined accounts, an atomiselle consists of a central core surrounded by a tunable electronic shell whose energy levels and charge state can be controlled by external fields or designed ligands.

Proponents describe atomiselles as artificial atoms that behave as discrete quantum units, allowing precise assembly into larger structures and reversible interactions with light and neighboring nanoscale components. They are used in speculative discussions to explore the limits of miniaturization, quantum control, and scalable nanofabrication. It is noted that atomiselles are hypothetical and not recognized by established scientific authorities.

Proposed properties include tunable energy gaps, stable coherence at low temperatures, and controllable charge. Major challenges include achieving true stability, mitigating decoherence, and developing reliable synthesis methods. Some treatments compare atomiselles to real concepts such as artificial atoms, quantum dots, and metamolecules, while noting that these entities are distinct from speculative atomiselles.

See also: Artificial atom; Quantum dot; Rydberg atom; Metamaterial; Nanotechnology.