Single elecronics: potentials and issues

Single electron devices have specific characteristics and properties, especially the existence of periodic Coulomb blockade oscillations, a high charge sensitivity and an operation based on charge quantization. Many investigations have been done to take advantage of them. However, there are several challenging issues to face before any concrete application. The paper presents an overview of the potential of these devices and discusses their merits and drawbacks. Although some niche applications exist, it is concluded that their future should be thought in hybrid association with CMOS