How can scientists stretch nano wires into cables to make the space elevator?

Question: How can scientists stretch nano wires into cables to make the space elevator?
- Keywords:
  cables,
  elevator,
  space
Asked by theo to Sinead, Jessamyn, Eleanor, Chris, Adam on 11 Nov 2013.
- Christian Wirtz answered on 11 Nov 2013:
  
  Hi Theo,
  
  that is the big challenge at the moment. Or at least one of them. There are ways of combining the nano wires that are similar to welding together normal wires using heat, electric current or even lasers. Unfortunately any welds and seams are weak points in a structure and much weaker than the material itself. So while the strength of the nanowires could theoretically support a space elevator, the connecting points are the problem that is still not solved.

Question: How can scientists stretch nano wires into cables to make the space elevator?