Honey, I Shrunk the PC

June 10, 2005 | Source: Wired News

University of Arizona scientists have discovered how to use quantum mechanics to turn molecules into working transistors in the lab at room temperature, a breakthrough that might one day lead to high-powered computers the size of a postage stamp.

The proposed transistor is a ring-shaped molecule such as benzene. Attaching the two electrical leads to non-opposite sides of the ring allows the electrons to flow through the molecular ring and not destructively interfere with one another. Attaching a third lead opposite one of the two electrical leads enables one to turn this wave interference effect on and off — and thus turn the flow of electricity through the transistor on and off.