Single-molecule integrated circuit elements

Scientists point out that modern silicon electronics have almost reached the limit of miniaturization, noting that the use of organic materials can allow the creation of integrated circuit elements of the size of the "mini". a single molecule, noting that scientists at the National University of Nuclear Research MiFi are conducting extensive studies in this area.

Recently, they modeled changes in the excited state of an organic semiconductor molecule. He pointed out that the results of this study had been published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry.

In this context are considered Organic Electronics Promising achievements for two reasons. First, provide raw materials for organic synthesis. Secondly, the use of organic materials allows integrated circuit elements to have the same size as a single molecule, which brings them closer to the internal structure of the cell of living organisms.

The oriented design of organic molecules and functional materials of organic electronics is a promising scientific field. Researchers and scientists are striving to spread this current global experience and develop models that can read expectations.

Alexandra Fridzson, researcher in this study – assistant at the Department of Condensed Matter Physics at the National University of Nuclear Research and a researcher at the Photochemistry Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences – noted in this regard :

"Our scientific team is involved in the predictive modeling of the properties of organic organic materials, especially for organic electroluminescent diodes (OLEDs). When OLED is activated, the electrons are powered by the cathode, the holes of the 39, anode, and meet again and again on the spot.When the electron and the gap are close to each other, but that they are not grouped, they can live long enough – an electron / gap – called exciton, and this exciton is often endemic in a molecule.

According to the researcher, by moving the exciton on adjacent molecules, it is advisable to control the color and efficiency of scintillation in a light-emitting organic diode: a radioactive layer (usually also a semiconductor) is placed between layers of n-type organic semiconductor types. And p, where the electrons converge with empty spaces and are recombined so that they can not be separated.

Researcher Alexandra Fridson continued:

"We have studied the behavior of the exciton in a molecule with a typical semiconductor gap, which also serves as a matrix to the radioactive layer. not occupy the entire molecule, but rather sections Transmitted under the influence of small disturbances – such as the presence of another molecule (as a stimulating emitter). "

The researchers discovered the mechanism and estimated the exciton time from one end of the molecule to the other. "It turns out that the transition along a path is done very quickly, on a picosecond scale," she said, referring to specific molecular vibrations. which help to achieve this goal.

In the opinion of researchers, it is now possible to evaluate the impact of the presence of adjacent molecules on this process and to suggest a modified version of the original molecule structure so to make the transfer of excitation energy to the radioactive molecule as effective as possible. This is where the virtual functional material design process lies: Scientists identify the basic function of the material and design a model of the underlying process to this function in order to identify the key factors affecting the material. Efficiency of the process and to propose new modifications to the material.

Scientists point out that they are currently at the first stage of understanding the process of exciton transport in organic semiconductors. Researchers will soon be able to make recommendations on modifying the molecules used in the matrix layers of OLED elements.