The transistor: from Lillienfield to Landauer, to...? [transistor scaling limits]

Summary form only given. This paper describes ultrasmall transistors using the conceptual picture and simulation techniques that are being developed to explain conduction in molecules. After describing a simple picture of conduction in molecules, it applies that approach to the nanoscale MOSFET and shows that it leads to a simple, but physically insightful view of the ultrasmall MOSFET. Quantum kinetic simulations are then used to examine realistic issues for "end-of-the-roadmap" MOSFETs. Next, it addresses the question of whether any transistor (e.g. Ge, InAs, carbon nanotubes, or conjugated organic molecules) can provide a significant advantage over the silicon MOSFET. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the fundamental limits that apply to any transistor and with some thoughts on where electronic device technology is heading.