· Transistors
have gotten smaller through nanotechnology. Around 2001, a typical transistor
was 130 to 250 nanometers in size. In 2014, Intel created a 14 nanometer
transistor, then IBM created the first seven nanometer transistor in 2015, and
then Lawrence Berkeley National Lab demonstrated a one nanometer transistor in
2016. Research is on going to use single molecules as transistors.
· Using
magnetic random access memory (MRAM), computers will be able to “boot” almost
instantly. MRAM is enabled by nanometer‐scale magnetic tunnel junctions and can
quickly and effectively save data during a system shutdown or enable
resume‐play features.
· Ultra-high
definition displays and televisions are now being sold that use quantum dots to
produce more vibrant colors, while being energy efficient.
· Flexible,
bendable, foldable, rollable and stretchable electronics are reaching into
various sectors and are being integrated into a variety of products,
including wearables, medical applications, aerospace applications,
and the Internet of Things. Flexible electronics have been developed using, for
example, semiconductor nanomembranes for applications in smartphone and
e-reader displays. Nanomaterials like graphene and cellulosic nanomaterials are
being used for various types of flexible electronics to enable wearable and
“tattoo” sensors, photovoltaics that can be sewn onto clothing, and electronic
paper that can be rolled up. Making flat, flexible, lightweight, non-brittle,
highly efficient electronics opens the door to countless smart products.
· Computing
and electronic products include Flash memory chips for smart
phones and thumb drives; ultra-responsive hearing aids;
antimicrobial/antibacterial coatings on keyboards and cell phone casings;
conductive inks for printed electronics for RFID/smart cards/smart packaging;
and flexible displays for e-book readers.
· Nanoparticle
copper suspensions have been developed as a safer, cheaper, and more reliable
alternative to lead-based solder and other hazardous materials commonly used to
fuse electronics in the assembly process.
· DNA
can be used as scaffolding for assembling molecules into electronic circuitry.
This is used to integrate novel devices at densities far beyond those possible
lithographic techniques. Studies on DNA showed a wide range of electron
transport behavior. DNA can act as an insulator, a semiconductor, a conductor
and a super conductor offering future bio-compatible devices and circuits.
· Nanomaterials
research, especially molecular electronics has demonstrated the new electrical
element ‘Memristor’. Memristor has the capability of remembering the current it
experienced in the past. So Memristor
research offers a possibility to implement 50Gbytes of low-power memory in
mobile devices.
· Nanomagnetics
provide an opportunity to realize zero-energy switching logic gates and memory.
Phase change memory (PCM) is considered one of the most promising candidates
for next-generation nonvolatile memory, based on its excellent characteristics
of high speed, large sense margin, good endurance, and high scalability.