Nanoelectronic devices: opportunities and challenges

Summary form only given, as follows. Progress in scaling of semiconductor devices has enabled the exponential growth in complexity and functionality of integrated circuits over the past decades. Limits to this development originating from device physics, circuit architecture, but also from materials, processes and possibly economics become apparent. The work on confined electron systems conducted over the past ten years exhibiting quantum interference, quantum size, quantum resonant tunneling and Coulomb blockade effects may well lead to new ways to further increase integrated circuit functionality, if appropriate architectures and solutions to the fabrication problems can be found. Novel switching effects based on motion of single atoms in tunneling configurations, molecular conduction and arrangements possibly combined with self assembly and biological materials represent even more potential alternatives. The paper will discuss key issues associated with different approaches.<>