UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
FACULTY OF PHYSICS

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2024-11-22 1:38
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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2003 Meeting


Section: Electricity and Biophysics


Title:
Beyond the Frontiers of Microelectronics


Authors:
Radu Mutihac Ionel Stan


Affiliation:
mutihac@fpce4.fizica.unibuc.ro,ionelstan1@yahoo.com

University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, PO Box MG-11, 76900 Bucharest, Romania


E-mail


Keywords:


Abstract:
Our contribution presents the-state-of-the-art in microelectronics highlighting the basic physical considerations in estimating the intrinsic limits of the present microelectronic devices made on silicon. The second part pinpoints the actual trends and some pioneering ideas in the perspectives of the incoming nanoscale technologies. In order to design artificial systems with molecular precision, molecular brand new engineering methods must be developed. Present microtechnology handles statistical populations of atoms. As the devices shrink, the atomic graininess of matter creates irregularities and imperfections, so long as atoms are handled in bulk, rather than individually. Indeed, such miniaturization of bulk processes seems unable to reach the ultimate level of microtechnology - the structuring of matter to complex atomic and molecular specifications. The incoming nanotechnology is supporting the ability to arrange atomic and molecular structures in a large variety of configurations. In the framework of the nanoscale technologies, the thermodynamically reversible single electron switching systems are considered as the ultimate evolutionary end point of electronic logic devices built up at molecular level. Molecular engineering of materials and devices can extend the capabilities of present technology many fold in many and various areas. The implications of the feasibility of molecular technology are important to present day speculations, such as the probable behavior of extraterrestrial technological civilizations. Similarly, those concerned with the long-range future of humanity must concern themselves with the opportunities and dangers arising from this technology as well.