Programming the nanocell, a random array of molecules

dc.contributor.advisorTour, James M.
dc.contributor.advisorDean, Nathaniel
dc.creatorHusband, Summer Michele
dc.date.accessioned2009-06-04T08:17:37Z
dc.date.available2009-06-04T08:17:37Z
dc.date.issued2002
dc.description.abstractThe emerging field of molecular electronics seeks to create computational function from individual molecules or arrays of molecules. These nanoscale devices would then enable the production of faster, denser, cheaper computers. Clearly, there are many obstacles to building such devices, one of which is to develop methods for using lithographic wires to address molecules that are many orders of magnitude smaller in size. In this thesis, a moletronics design is presented that offers a method for connecting nanometer molecules to the world-at-large. This architecture involves the production of nanocells, or random arrays of molecules and metallic nanoparticles. The molecules have two discrete states and exhibit electrical behavior that enables complex logic in a nanocell. Methods are presented to take a random array of such switch states and alter them to program a nanocell as a useful logical device. Simulations of this programming process are presented and show that it is theoretically possible to obtain very high level function from these cells. Observations made during simulations are then used to formulate theorems about the programmability of nanocells. These theorems demonstrate that there is a dense solution space of molecular switch states that give rise to certain computation within a nanocell. Future directions of research, such as methods for wiring multiple nanocells together, are included as well.
dc.format.extent138 p.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.callnoTHESIS MATH.SCI. 2002 HUSBAND
dc.identifier.citationHusband, Summer Michele. "Programming the nanocell, a random array of molecules." (2002) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18091">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18091</a>.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/18091
dc.language.isoeng
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
dc.subjectMathematics
dc.subjectComputer science
dc.titleProgramming the nanocell, a random array of molecules
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.materialText
thesis.degree.departmentMathematical Sciences
thesis.degree.disciplineEngineering
thesis.degree.grantorRice University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy
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