Information Technology Reference
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12
SELF-ASSEMBLY OF
SUPRAMOLECULAR
NANOSTRUCTURES: ORDERED
ARRAYS OF METAL IONS AND
CARBON NANOTUBES
Mario Ruben
The use of molecular units within information processing algorithms and devices
involves the controlled handling of molecules within the nanoworld. Working at
the lower nanometer limit, the combination of scanning probe techniques with
bottom-up self-assembly concepts has been proven to be a pivotal tool for such
handling. Because ''nano-handling'' deals intrinsically with the investigation of
physical phenomena close to their intrinsic correlation lengths, new ideas in terms
of computing concepts may spring up from such scientific work. The perspectives
emerging from nonbinaric logics by using ion dots instead of the larger quantum
dots are discussed: the use of molecules within the cellular automata scheme;
propositions for molecular quantum computing concepts; and the impact of
surface-confined self-assembly schemes. All concepts overlap structurally in
specific 2D arrangements, called metal ion assemblies (MIAs) and networks
(MINs), which represent the material platform for alternative computation
approaches discussed herein. Finally, the self-assembly of carbon nanotubes
(CNTs) and their use as interface between nanoscopic molecular devices and
macroscopic environment will be reviewed.
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