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Explore how molecular switches revolutionize computing technology by utilizing tiny electronic components made of molecules for enhanced efficiency and power. Learn about the benefits, working principles, and potential applications of molecular computing.
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Molecular Computing by Jason Bryant and Richard Overstreet
Why do we need smaller computers? • Increased Complexity=Increased Computing Power • To achieve this complexity, the components of a computer must be made smaller. • There are both practical and scientific limitations on current silicon-based technology (Moore’s Law) • One solution lies in molecular switches
What is a molecular switch? • The use of molecules to construct electronic components that perform the same function as a macroscopic counterpart. • Wires, logic gates, memory circuits, etc.
What kind of molecule do we need? • What do we need it to do? • Ideally, transmit or store electrons • Need an empty low energy orbital • Can create a "pi-conjugated system"
www.d.umn.edu/~pkiprof/chemweb/ Overlap/overlap2.html Pi Conjugated system • These pi bonds act as wires by allowing the passage of electrons
Benefits of the Molecular Switch • Obvious size advantage • High current flow generates little heat • Self-Assembly=Cheap, identical production in mass quantities • High potential circuit density • Non-volatile RAM
Need more than just wires • Need Transistors • Exploiting the pi orbital overlap • Now we have the concepts, how do we use it?
Mark Reed and James Tour • Base molecule was the Benzine Ring http://www.sciam.com/2000/0600issue/0600reed.html
Properties of Benzine Dithol • Allowed for trapping of electrons • Varying voltage controlled conductive and nonconductive state http://www.sciam.com/2000/0600issue/0600reed.html
How could they turn it on and off? • Addition of NO2 and NH2 to the center ring created asymmetry that allows for twisting with applied voltage. http://www.sciam.com/2000/0600issue/0600reed.html
So how did they build it? • Self assembly • Need to be able to attach to metal surfaces • Addition of thiols. http://www.sciam.com/2000/0600issue/0600reed.html
Self Assembly Process http://www.sciam.com/2000/0600issue/0600reed.html
Help from Photolithography • For now, help from current semiconductor technology • Creates selected regions for self assembly • Now we have something resembling current computer architecture
Hurdles • The Molecular Transistor- under development • Connecting molecular switches • Logic Gates
Notes • Mark A. Reed and James M. Tour “Computing with Molecules”Scientific American June 2000 http://www.sciam.com/2000/0600issue/0600reed.html • Ben Feringa, editor. Molecular Switches (Wiley-VCH: New York) 2001 • David Rotman “Molecular Computing”Technology Review May/June 2000 • University of Minnesota Inorganic Chemistry Website www.d.umn.edu/~pkiprof/chemweb/ Overlap/overlap2.html 2001