Molecular Electronics

Jason ChiesaMay 3, 2006

Overview

1. What is Molecular Electronics?2. Advantages of Molecular

Electronics3. Molecular Switch4. Issues

What is Molecular Electronics? Sometimes called moletronics Molecular electronics is a

branch of applied physics which aims at using molecules as passive or active electronic components.

These molecules will perform the functions currently performed by semiconductors.

Why use Molecular Electronics? Size Power Speed Low Manufacturing Cost Easier to Manufacture

Size

Molecular Electronics is a way to extend Moore’s Law past the limits of standard semiconductor Circuits.

100X smaller than their counterparts

Power / Speed Currently Transistors cannot be

stacked, which makes them quite ineffecient!

Molecular technology will be able to add a 3rd dimension.

Femtoseconds switching times.

Manufacturing Most designs use either spin

coating or Self-Assembly process.

Individual Molecules can be made exactly the same by the Billions.

Molecular assembly tends to occur at Room Temperature.

Molecular Switch Semiconductor switches can be

made on a very small scale.

Perform computational functions when placed in the right combination.

Molecular switch is orders of magnitude smaller.

Molecular Chiropticene Switch One molecule in size. Switch has two distinct states

Spatial Mirror images of one another. Electronically and Optically distinct

Distinct but Equal Chiral property

Symmetric Amine Molecule

Rapid thermal oscillation between two forms of an Amine Molecule.

“Assymetrical Narcisstic Reactions”

Operation In practice, the switch is triggered

by light and controlled with an electric field.

Both of these actions can change the direction of the molecule’s dipole by 180 degrees.

Operation cont’d

Constructing the Switch

In order to have control of the crossed arrow dipole vector we must: Long axis for reaction to occur Dipole vector points along this axis Transformation cannot occur at room

temp.

Orientation of Dipole Vectors

Potential Energy Profile

Prochiral Form

Photo Reaction

Finally…….

Switch Properties Stability- Two equal but opposite

energy states in these molecules affords stablility as well as reversibility.

Speed- Femtosecond switching speeds

Problems facing Moletronics Molecular electronics must still be

integrated with Silicon.

Among the important issues is the determination of the resistance of a single molecule (both theoritical and experimental).

It is difficult to perform direct characterization since imaging at the molecular scale is often impossible in many experimental devices.

Questions?