Collaborative Research: Single Molecular Devices for Molecular Nanocomputing: Synthesis, Device Fabrication and Theory

合作研究：分子纳米计算的单分子器件：合成，器件制造和理论随着当前的硅互补金属氧化物半导体（CMOS）技术不断提高现代计算机的速度，容量和计算能力，它接近了处理器不能再做得更小，更快和更便宜的基本极限。这个合作项目将研究单分子电子器件作为分子纳米计算的基本组成部分，分子纳米计算是一种新兴技术，用于CMOS集成电路之外的下一代信息系统。通过将有机合成领域的专业知识（芝加哥大学的Yu小组），器件制造和电气特性（亚利桑那州立大学的陶小组）和纳米理论/建模（南佛罗里达大学的Oleynik小组）进行协同努力，该小组将利用纳米科学和工程学的基本原理，在原子和分子水平上集中开发创新的计算机技术。这一高风险、高回报的研究领域有望在传统硅CMOS技术之外开发更快、更小的计算机芯片方面取得革命性进展。该研究计划包括三个主要目标：（1）合成新的“设计师”分子，这些分子将用作二极管，晶体管，开关和信息存储元件，并借助理论/建模建立结构/分子的化学性质和电子性质之间的关系。(2)使用STM、导电AFM和电化学断裂结将这些“设计者”分子组装成纳米电路，用于单分子器件的电表征，并使用电化学门控结合理论指导来控制这些分子中的电子传输。(3)利用电子与空穴共振隧穿传导理论，发展特定分子元件的基本运作原理，并研究分子/电极接触、负微分电阻开关、分子场效应与双极电晶体。这种紧密结合、纵向一体化的研究和教育活动将为培养下一代科学家和工程师提供一个独特的机会，他们将把超越摩尔定律的科学付诸实践。

Collaborative Research: Single Molecular Devices for Molecular Nanocomputing: Synthesis, Device Fabrication and TheoryAs the current silicon complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology continues to increase the speed, capacity and computational power of modern computers, it approaches the fundamental limit at which processors can no longer be made smaller, faster and cheaper. This collaborative project will investigate single-molecule electronic devices as fundamental building blocks for molecular nanocomputing, an emerging technology for the next generation of information systems beyond CMOS integrated circuitry. By bringing together the complimentary expertises in organic synthesis (the Yu group at the University of Chicago), device fabrication and electrical characterization (the Tao group at the Arizona State University), and nanoscale theory/modeling (the Oleynik group at the University of South Florida) into a synergistic effort, the team will focus on the development of innovative computer technologies at the atomic and molecular levels using fundamental principles of nanoscience and engineering. This high-risk, high-return area of research promises revolutionary advances in developing faster and smaller computer chips beyond conventional silicon CMOS technology.The research program includes three major thrusts: (1) to synthesize new "designer" molecules that will function as diodes, transistors, switches and information storage elements and with the help of theory/modeling to establish a structure/property relationship between a molecule's chemical nature and resulting electronic properties. (2) to assemble these "designer" molecules into nanocircuitry using STM, conducting AFM, and electrochemical break junctions for electrical characterization of single-molecule devices, and to control the electron transport in these molecules using electrochemical gating combined with the guidance from theory. (3) to develop fundamental operational principles of specific molecular devices using the theory of electron and hole resonant tunneling conduction, and to investigate molecule/electrode contacts, negative differential resistance switches, molecular field effect and bipolar transistors. The tightly coupled, vertically integrated research and educational activities will provide a unique opportunity to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers who will put the science beyond Moore's law into practice.