Nov 18 2002
HP has just received another patent for a nanotechnology development. This U.S. Patent adds to their existing portfolio of inventions in molecular electronics.
The patent, (US 6,459,095), “Chemically Synthesized and Assembled Electronic Devices”, covers a simple, scalable, inexpensive process that could be used for creating molecular-scale electronic devices such as logic, memory, communications and signal routing devices. The technology involves using two crossed wires sandwiching electrically accessible molecules.
The most recent patent, takes other inventions previously patented by HP and their collaborators at UCLA and brings them together in a complete manufacturable technology.
This new technology surpasses the theoretical limits of conventional silicon processing. These limits are expected to be realised in the next 10 years or so.
Conventional integrated circuit fabrications techniques involve a complex pattern of wires and switches that must be built up a layer at a time. HP’s new technology traps electrically switchable molecules between crossed wires, just a few atoms wide. Each of the wire intersections could store a bit of logic or memory.
Moore’s Law states that integrated circuits double in power every 18 months. With this new technology, HP believe that they can extend Moore’s Law for another 50 years.
HP also believe that this technology can be used for building nanoscale electro-chemical cells with a number of electronic applications.
HP also won IndustryWeek’s 10th annual Technology and Innovation Award for their work in field of molecular electronics, of which this patent and its related technologies played a part.
For more information on integrated circuits, click here.