Press Release 05-202
Molecular Turn-Ons Could Find Use in Future Computers and Other Electronic Devices

This sequence of images shows a single molecular switch being flipped on and off. Credit and Larger Version

November 22, 2005

Taking an essential step in the emerging field of molecular electronics, a research team led by scientists at the Pennsylvania State University, Rice University, and the University of Oregon have developed a way to control single-molecule switches by engineering their design and surrounding environment.

More specifically, the researchers have shown that single-molecule switches can be tailored to respond in predictable and stable ways: some switches will turn on when an electric field is applied, while others will turn off in response to the same electric field.

The discovery could further the development of nano-components as small as molecules, or even atoms, for use in future generations of computers and other electronic devices.

The team's work was funded in part by the National Science Foundation. Details will be published Dec. 21, 2005, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. For further information see the Penn State news release.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
M. Mitchell Waldrop, NSF (703) 292-7752 mwaldrop@nsf.gov
Barbara K. Kennedy, Pennsylvania State University (814) 863-4682 science@psu.edu

Principal Investigators
Paul S. Weiss, Pennsylvania State University (814) 865-3693 stm@psu.edu

Related Websites
The Weiss group home page: http://stm1.chem.psu.edu/

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

 Get News Updates by Email 

Useful NSF Web Sites:
NSF Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov
NSF News: http://www.nsf.gov/news/
For the News Media: http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsroom.jsp
Science and Engineering Statistics: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards Searches: http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/