Researchers first to create a single-molecule diode

Seems we have broken the molecular barrier in designing functional structures.

Under the direction of Latha Venkataraman, associate professor of applied physics at Columbia Engineering, researchers have designed a new technique to create a single-molecule diode, and, in doing so, they have developed molecular diodes that perform 50 times better than all prior designs. Venkataraman's group is the first to develop a single-molecule diode that may have real-world technological applications for nanoscale devices. Their paper, "Single-Molecule Diodes with High On-Off Ratios through Environmental Control," is published May 25 in Nature Nanotechnology.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-single-molecule-diode.html#jCp
Seems we have broken the molecular barrier in designing functional structures.
Under the direction of Latha Venkataraman, associate professor of applied physics at Columbia Engineering, researchers have designed a new technique to create a single-molecule diode, and, in doing so, they have developed molecular diodes that perform 50 times better than all prior designs. Venkataraman's group is the first to develop a single-molecule diode that may have real-world technological applications for nanoscale devices. Their paper, "Single-Molecule Diodes with High On-Off Ratios through Environmental Control," is published May 25 in Nature Nanotechnology.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-single-molecule-diode.html#jCp
What do you suppose that will mean to us in the future? Lois

Like other nanotechnology - it will likely make things cheaper (given less material cost), more durable (with atomically-precise manufacturing, or close thereto), produce less waste as a result, etcetera. But specifically for diodes, which are used in countless electronics applications - the sky could be the limit for potential uses in channelling current more easily.

Like other nanotechnology - it will likely make things cheaper (given less material cost), more durable (with atomically-precise manufacturing, or close thereto), produce less waste as a result, etcetera. But specifically for diodes, which are used in countless electronics applications - the sky could be the limit for potential uses in channelling current more easily.
Interesting. Thanks. Lois
Seems we have broken the molecular barrier in designing functional structures.
Under the direction of Latha Venkataraman, associate professor of applied physics at Columbia Engineering, researchers have designed a new technique to create a single-molecule diode, and, in doing so, they have developed molecular diodes that perform 50 times better than all prior designs. Venkataraman's group is the first to develop a single-molecule diode that may have real-world technological applications for nanoscale devices. Their paper, "Single-Molecule Diodes with High On-Off Ratios through Environmental Control," is published May 25 in Nature Nanotechnology.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-single-molecule-diode.html#jCp
What do ypu suppose that will mean to us in the future? Lois Nano-drones

It is probably means not much until they create a transistor also. With transistors you can create Boolean gates. With Boolean gates you can then create a microprocessor chip and let the ball rolling.