 |
|
NIST team proves bridge from conventional to molecular electronics possible
March 19, 2008Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have set the stage for building the "evolutionary link" between the microelectronics of today built from semiconductor compounds and future generations of devices made largely from complex organic molecules. In an upcoming paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society,* a NIST team demonstrates that a single layer of organic molecules can be assembled on the same sort of substrate used in conventional microchips.
The ability to use a silicon crystal substrate that is compatible with the industry-standard CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) manufacturing technology paves the way for hybrid CMOS-molecular device circuitry-the necessary precursor to a "beyond CMOS" totally molecular technology-to be fabricated in the near future.
Scientists classify crystal structures by the particular plane or "face" cutting through the crystal that is exposed. Most research to date on silicon substrates for molecular electronic devices has been done with a crystal orientation that is convenient for organic molecules but incompatible with CMOS technologies. For their electronic device, the NIST team first demonstrated that a good quality monolayer of organic molecules could be assembled on the silicon orientation common to industrial CMOS fabrication, verifying this with extensive spectroscopic analysis.
They then went on to build a simple but working molecular electronic device-a resistor-using the same techniques. A single layer of simple chains of carbon atoms tethered on their ends with sulfur atoms were deposited in tiny 100-nanometer deep wells on the silicon substrate and capped with a layer of silver to form the top electrical contact. The use of silver is a departure from other molecular electronic studies where gold or aluminum has been used. Unlike the latter two elements, silver does not displace the monolayer or impede its ability to function.
The NIST team fabricated two molecular electronic devices, each with a different length of carbon chain populating the monolayer. Both devices successfully resisted electrical flow with the one possessing longer chains having the greater resistance as expected. A control device lacking the monolayer showed less resistance, proving that the other two units did function as nonlinear resistors.
The next step, the team reports, is to fabricate a CMOS-molecular hybrid circuit to show that molecular electronic components can work in harmony with current microelectronics technologies.
###
This work was funded in part by the NIST Office of Microelectronics Programs and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) MoleApps Program.
* N. Gergel-Hackett, C.D. Zangmeister, C.A. Hacker, L.J. Richter and C.A. Richter. Demonstration of molecular assembly on Si (100) for CMOS-compatible molecular-based electronic devices. Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 130, No. 13 (April 2, 2008), pp 4259-4261. Published online March 7, 2008.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
They then went on to build a simple but working molecular electronic device-a resistor-using the same techniques. A single layer of simple chains of carbon atoms tethered on their ends with sulfur atoms were deposited in tiny 100-nanometer deep wells on the silicon substrate and capped with a layer of silver to form the top electrical contact. The use of silver is a departure from other molecular electronic studies where gold or aluminum has been used. Unlike the latter two elements, silver does not displace the monolayer or impede its ability to function.
The NIST team fabricated two molecular electronic devices, each with a different length of carbon chain populating the monolayer. Both devices successfully resisted electrical flow with the one possessing longer chains having the greater resistance as expected. A control device lacking the monolayer showed less resistance, proving that the other two units did function as nonlinear resistors.
The next step, the team reports, is to fabricate a CMOS-molecular hybrid circuit to show that molecular electronic components can work in harmony with current microelectronics technologies.
###
This work was funded in part by the NIST Office of Microelectronics Programs and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) MoleApps Program.
* N. Gergel-Hackett, C.D. Zangmeister, C.A. Hacker, L.J. Richter and C.A. Richter. Demonstration of molecular assembly on Si (100) for CMOS-compatible molecular-based electronic devices. Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 130, No. 13 (April 2, 2008), pp 4259-4261. Published online March 7, 2008.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Molecular Electronics Current Events and Molecular Electronics News RSSSmall ... smaller ... smallest? ASU researchers create molecular diode
Recently, at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute, N.J. Tao and collaborators have found a way to make a key electrical component on a phenomenally tiny scale. Their single-molecule diode is described in this week's online edition of Nature Chemistry.
Scientists Discover Magnetic Superatoms
A team of Virginia Commonwealth University scientists has discovered a 'magnetic superatom' - a stable cluster of atoms that can mimic different elements of the periodic table - that one day may be used to create molecular electronic devices for the next generation of faster computers with larger memory storage.
Carbon molecule with a charge could be tomorrow's semiconductor
Virginia Tech chemistry Professor Harry Dorn has developed a new area of fullerene chemistry that may be the backbone for development of molecular semiconductors and quantum computing applications.
Tethered Molecules Act as Light-Driven Reversible Nanoswitches
The ability to see is based on molecules in the eye that flip from one conformation to another when exposed to visible light.
Spin control: New technique sorts nanotubes by length
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have reported a new technique to sort batches of carbon nanotubes by length using high-speed centrifuges.
Carbon nanotube measurements: latest in NIST 'how-to' series
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has published detailed guidelines for making essential measurements on samples of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The new guide constitutes the current "best practices" for characterizing one of the most promising and heavily studied of the new generation of nanoscale materials.
Ultrafast laser spectrometer measures heat flow through molecules
Global warming isn't the only heat scientists are feeling. Another area in which heat flow is becoming crucial is the field of molecular electronics, where long-chain molecules attached to tiny electrodes are used to transport and switch electrons.
Porphyrin electron-transfer reactions observed at the molecular level
Researchers at Temple University have observed and documented electron transfer reactions on an electrode surface at the single molecule level for the first time, a discovery which could have future relevance to areas such as molecular electronics, electrochemistry, biology, catalysis, information storage, and solar energy conversion.
The inside dope
Often, things can be improved by a little 'contamination.' Steel, for example is iron with a bit of carbon mixed in. To produce materials for modern electronics, small amounts of impurities are introduced into silicon - a process called doping.
UIC and Japanese chemists close in on molecular switch
The electronics industry believes that when it comes to circuits, smaller is better -- and many foresee a future where electrical switches and circuits will be as tiny as single molecules.
More Molecular Electronics Current Events and Molecular Electronics News Articles
 |
Molecular Electronics: From Principles to Practice (Wiley Series in Materials for Electronic & Optoelectronic Applications) by Michael C. Petty (Author) This consistent and comprehensive text is unique in providing an informed insight into molecular electronics by contrasting the prospects for molecular scale electronics with the continuing development of the inorganic semiconductor industry. Providing a wealth of information on the subject from background material to possible applications, Molecular Electronics contains all the need to know information in one easily accessible place. Speculation about future developments has also been included to give the whole picture of this increasingly popular and important topic. |
 |
Introducing Molecular Electronics (Lecture Notes in Physics) by Gianaurelio Cuniberti (Editor), Giorgos Fagas (Editor), Klaus Richter (Editor) This volume presents a summary of our current understanding of molecular electronics combined with selected state-of-the-art results at a level accessible to the advanced undergraduate or novice postgraduate. This single book comprises the basic knowledge of both theory and experiment underpinning this rapidly growing field. Concepts and techniques such as density functional theory and charge transport, break junctions and scanning probe microscopy are introduced step-by-step and are subsequently used in specific examples. The text addresses a wide range of systems including molecular junctions made of single-molecules, self-assembled monolayers, carbon nanotubes and DNA. |
|
Molecular Counterpart-Compiled By DJ Jibaro by Molecular Counterpart-Compiled By DJ Jibaro | |
 |
PUROSOL MOLECULAR PLASMA SCREEN CLEANER, 1 OZ. by Origin Laboratories, LLC PUROSOL cleaner use a natural enzyme formula developed for use by NASA and leading medical research laboratories. The cleaner removes dirt and dust particles without the use of harmful chemicals or solvents and are preferred by professionals for use on ex |
 |
CARUSO PROFESSIONAL 14 ROLLER MOLECULAR STEAM HAIRSETTER by CARUSO The Caruso Professional ProTraveler 14 Molecular Steam Setter is the ultimate set to create today's polished hairstyles. This set was invented to finally give women the results that they longed for long lasting curls and volume while keeping hair healthy, shiny and in great condition. The Caruso Professional Molecular system is a revolutionary process; tiny molecules of steam penetrate the hair shaft reforming the chain bonds to create healthy, strong beautiful curls! The hairsetter has been customized to give you the volume and bouncy curls that are popular today. The compact size also makes it ideal for home, office or travel. The Caruso Professional ProTraveler 14 Molecular Steam Hairsetter: * Steam conditions as it curls * Is Quick & Easy: Sets in 5-10 minutes, or to... |
 |
IQAir GC MultiGas Control Air Purifier for Tobacco Smoke control, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Wide Spectrum Gas filtration by IQAir The GC MultiGas has been customized for wide spectrum molecular and particulate contaminant control. Just like a professional gas mask, the GC MultiGas maximizes molecular filtration for a wide variety of gaseous chemicals and odors with its advanced filter cartridge design. And while gas and odor control is a particular strength of this systems, the GC MultiGas also offers excellent filtration for particles. The GC MultiGas is our bestseller for individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). |
 |
Molecular Electronics Materials, Devices and Applications by Antoine Jalabert (Author), Amara Amara (Author), Fabien Clermidy (Author) How to develop innovative architectures based on emerging molecular devices? The simple yet ambitious objective of "Molecular Electronics Materials, Devices and Applications" is to give the reader the necessary information to understand the challenges and opportunities of this recent field of research. In order to provide a good overview and understanding, the main molecular devices are first presented. A complete set of presentation and discussion of the actual molecular architectures follows. Nevertheless, another goal of "Molecular Electronics Materials, Devices and Applications" is also to promote a practical approach. As a starting point for future developments, a pragmatic methodology for VHDL-AMS device modelling and circuit design based on experimental data is then proposed. It... |
 |
Nano and Molecular Electronics Handbook (Nano- and Microscience, Engineering, Technology, and Medicines Series) by Sergey Edward Lyshevski (Editor) There are fundamental and technological limits of conventional microfabrication and microelectronics. Scaling down conventional devices and attempts to develop novel topologies and architectures will soon be ineffective or unachievable at the device and system levels to ensure desired performance. Forward-looking experts continue to search for new paradigms to carry the field beyond the age of microelectronics, and molecular electronics is one of the most promising candidates. The Nano and Molecular Electronics Handbook surveys the current state of this exciting, emerging field and looks toward future developments and opportunities. Molecular and Nano Electronics Explained Explore the fundamentals of device physics, synthesis, and design of molecular processing platforms and... |
|
Fata Morgana: The First Step | |
 |
Nanoelectronics and Nanosystems: From Transistors to Molecular and Quantum Devices by Karl Goser (Author) Nanoelectronics provides an accessible introduction for prospective and practicing electronic engineers, computer scientists and physicists. The overview covers all aspects from underlying technologies to circuits and systems. The challenge of nanoelectronics is not only to manufacture minute structures but also to develop innovative systems for effective integration of the billions of devices. On the system level, various architectures are presented and important features of systems, such as design strategies, processing power, and reliability are discussed. Many specific technologies are presented, including molecular devices, quantum electronic devices, resonant tunnelling devices, single electron devices, superconducting devices, and even devices for DNA and quantum computing.... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |