According to the researchers, the development brings quantum dot-based devices within reach.
Often referred to as artificial atoms, quantum dots previously ranged from 2 to 10 nm in diameter. Although typically composed of several thousand atoms, all the atoms pool their electrons to “sing with one voice”; that is, the electrons are shared and coordinated as if there is only one atomic nucleus at the center. That property enables numerous revolutionary schemes for electronic devices.
“Because they operate at room temperature and exist on the familiar silicon crystals used in today’s computers, we expect these single-atom quantum dots will transform theoretical plans into real devices,” explained Robert A. Wolkow, research project leader.
The single-atom quantum dots have demonstrated another advantage – significant control over individual electrons with very little energy. Wolkow sees this low-energy control as the key to quantum dot application in entirely new forms of silicon-based electronic devices, such as ultralow-power computers.
“The capacity to compose these quantum dots on silicon, the most established electronic material, and to achieve control over electron placement among dots at room temperature puts new kinds of extremely low energy computation devices within reach,” Wolkow added.
For more information, visit: www.ualberta.ca.