Yale Bulletin and Calendar

November 8-15, 1999

Volume 28, Number 12

Scientists' find vastly enhances computer memory

Computer storage capacity can be vastly increased using a molecular memory based on a single molecule, a research team from Yale and Rice universities has discovered.

The discovery attacks one of the major problems facing the microelectronics industry -- cost. Detailed results of the study will be presented at the International Electron Devices Meeting in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 6.

The tremendous improvements and reduced cost seen over the last three decades in electronics -- computers, telecommunications, multimedia -- will eventually stop because circuits cannot be made smaller economically, says Mark Reed, the Harold Hodgkinson Professor of Engineering and Applied Science and chair of electrical engineering.

"We've demonstrated a memory element the size of a single molecule," says Reed, principal investigator on the paper. "This is the ultimate in size that one can achieve in micro-minaturization. The fabrication of the molecular memory was done using a method called 'self-assembly,' which has the potential to dramatically reduce cost."

The single molecule memory effect is more robust in storing information than conventional silicon memory, which is typically "dynamic random access memories" (DRAM). The single molecule memory has a life ap-proximately one million times longer than DRAM, which is not capable of holding stored charges for long.

"With the single molecule memory, all a general-purpose ultimate molecular computer now needs is a reversible single molecule switch," says Reed. "I anticipate we will see a demonstration of one very soon."

Papers presented at the International Electron Devices Meeting represent the world's leading applied re-search in electronics. The meeting runs from December 5-8.

The research team consisted of Reed and graduate student Jia Chen in Yale's engineering department; and Professor James Tour and graduate student Adam Rawlett of the department of chemistry and Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology at Rice University.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Levin cited for community leadership

Study reveals benefits of new prostate cancer therapy

Grant to fund national test of new teaching method

Expert on care of minority elders receives nursing field's top honor

Alumni Whiffenpoofs will reunite for 90th musical 'spree'

Perspectives on Richard Levin

Psychologist Kazdin proposes new way to assess the effectiveness of therapies for youngsters

Scientists' find vastly enhances computer memory

Library gets grant to preserve rare films from Yale's past

Yale Art Gallery exhibit traces key themes in American art and design across four centuries

Museum joins U.S.-French consortium

Marks is new director of Pierson Lab

Karl M.Waage, renowned for his geological discoveries, dies

Yale scientists to speak at NAS symposium on campus

Symposium on global climate change marks anniversary of landmark report

Reading to feature letters of Revolutionary War partners

U.S. national identity will be topic of talk by noted writer

Wrap up your holiday shopping at one-day event

And the winners are...

Chinese delegates

. . . In the News . . .

Campus Notes