Synergy to discovery and innovation - Growth of nanorods

A synergy of computer simulations, analytical formulations, and experiments proves very effective in research and development. Using nanorod growth as an example, this letter presents the synergy of the three complementary approaches in research, and demonstrates its effectiveness. Through this synergy, a theoretical framework of nanorod growth emerges; through the direction of the theories, experimental realization of smallest well-separated nanorods becomes reality; through the realization of such nanorods, metallic glue in ambient environments becomes technical reality and commercial possibility.