Scientists transistor formed from one molecule of Bashny.Net

Physicists at Michigan Technological University managed to get a working model of the switch, consisting of a single molecule. The work of researchers published in the journal Physical Review Letters. This discovery could increase the computing power of today's computers a thousand times and help solve the problem of an impending limit of miniaturization.

All modern computer technology based on the use of transistors. The transistor is called a semiconductor device which is intended to control the current in the circuit by using two third electrodes. We can say that, by adjusting the voltage on the control electrode, we are changing the resistance in the circuit. One of the functions of the transistor is a function of the switch, that is, the device interrupt current flow when a voltage is applied to the control electrode.

The creators of the monomolecular molecule switch placed a special connection between the gold electrodes. When a current of 142 microamperes in the chain has changed dramatically resistance. This was a consequence of changes in the quantum states of the electrons in the molecule under the influence of the electromagnetic field.

In 1965, Gordon Moore, cofounder of Intel, formulated the thesis, known as Moore's Law. This law states that the number of transistors that fit on a chip doubles every 2 years, while maintaining the value of the chip. Currently dimensions transistors constitute 45-65 nanometers at 32 nanometer approach elements.

It is expected that in 2020 the process of miniaturization stop. Transistors made of a size that will no longer obey the laws of classical physics, which is based on the work of modern computers. To computer technology has evolved further, it is necessary either to change the principles of the (receiving a quantum computer), or create a completely new transistor. US researchers believe that their switch is an important step towards the creation of a new transistor.