Yale Bulletin and Calendar

November 22-December 6, 1999

Volume 28, Number 14

Scientists' work may lead to creation
of smaller, less costly computers

Yale and Rice University scientists have demonstrated molecular devices that act as reversible electronic switches, making it possible to build smaller computers that are less expensive.

The vast improvements and reduced cost seen in computers and electronics over the last three decades will eventually stop because circuits can't be made smaller. Scientists have been trying to devise ways to address this problem for years.

For the first time, the Yale research team has identified a reversible electronic switch that is the size of a single molecule.

"The ultimate for shrinking the size of a switch is the molecular level, which this study demonstrates," says Mark Reed, the Harold Hodgkinson Professor of Engineering and Applied Science and chair of electrical engineering. "We also did it using a fabrication method which has the potential to radically reduce the cost of future microcircuits."

Published in the Nov. 19 issue of Science, the study looks at large reversible switching behavior in nanoscale electronic devices that use molecules as the active component. The devices show a thousand-fold on/off ratio. These are comparable to or exceed more conventional types of electronic devices.

In addition to shrinking the size of the switch to atomic dimensions, the researchers also used a fabrication method called "self assembly," where the device actually self-forms, in comparison to conventional methods of transistor fabrication using lithography.

"The combination of the small size and the use of self-assembly has the potential to cause a discontinuity in the economics of microcircuitry," says Reed. "Although there are a host of engineering challenges to bring this to a manufacturable technology, this study demonstrates the principle and the fundamental limits of what can be done."

The research team consisted of Reed and graduate student Jia Chen in Yale's electrical 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.

-- By Karen Peart

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

Yale unveils new TV studio

National Building Museum pays double tribute to Scully

YSN students to learn about life with few resources

Media's quest for truth vital to U.S. society, says Thomas

Endowed Professorships

Ex-senator to discuss search for security in a 'fragmented century'

Yale Rep offers up 'A Cup of Coffee' by noted filmmaker

Peabody's mobile BioAction Lab inspires young 'scientists'

Holiday gift ideas galore available at campus shops

YALE CANCER CENTER NEWS
Symposium honors work of pioneering Yale researcher

Series to focus on compassionate patient care

DNA technology may help pinpoint causes of cancer

Center joins effort to create tests for early signs of cancer

Whiffenpoofs celebrate 90th anniversary

New technique for recording activity inside cells may offer insights into diseases . . .

Yale team is first to turn carbon dioxide into gel form

Astronomy sponsors its first reunion

Donaghue grants to support studies on women's health

Scientists' work may lead to creation of smaller, less costly computers

Student is now big Elm City fan, thanks to internship

Jazz legend Dave Brubeck and his quartet to perform

Miracle play reveals medieval views about St. Nicholas

Harshav to be honored

Two Yale scholars are honored with book prizes from the American Studies Association

Morgan's work featured in annual crafts show

. . In the News . . .