Nanoelectronics: nanotubes, nanowires, molecules, and novel concepts

As device sizes approach the nanoscale, new opportunities arise from harnessing the physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale. Chemical synthesis, self-assembly, and templated self-assembly promise the precise fabrication of device structures or even the entire functional entity. Quantum phenomena and one- dimensional transport may lead to new functional devices with very different power/performance tradeoffs. New materials with novel electronic, optical, and mechanical properties emerge as a result of the ability to manipulate matter on a nanoscale. It is now feasible to contemplate new nanoelectronic systems based on new devices with completely new system architectures. This paper gives an overview of the materials, technology, and device opportunities in the nanoscale era. The focus of discussion is on nanotubes, nanowires, molecular devices, and novel device concepts for nanoelectronics.