‘Ultimate miniaturisation’ a step closer
A team of international researchers have announced significant developments in the understanding of electrical conduction through single molecules.
Traditionally, the challenge with molecules has been that they only conduct once a large voltage has been applied. However, researchers have discovered that molecules containing an odd number of electrons are much more conductive at low bias voltages. As a result, metal elements in molecular electronic circuits could now be replaced by single molecules, meaning highly efficient chips and components with considerably increased storage densities.
The research has been undertaken by teams from Graz University of Technology, Humboldt University in Berlin, MIT, Montan University in Leoben and Georgia Institute of Technology. Graz University's Egbert Zojer said that the research brought the ultimate miniaturisation of electronic components a 'considerable step closer'.
© Photo: Heimel
