Nanoelectronic Devices With Precise Atomic-Scale Structures

Since its invention in 1948, the transistor has revolutionized everyday life. The electronics revolution is based on miniaturization of transistors; smaller transistors are faster, and denser circuitry has more functionality. Transistors in the present generation of integrated-circuit chips have sizes of ≈0.18 µm, and the electronics industry has completed development of 0.13-µm transistors, which will enter production within the next few years. Industry researchers are now working to reduce transistor sizes below 0.1 µm — a thousandth of the width of a human hair. However, studies indicate that the miniaturization of silicon transistors will soon reach its limit.