Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Molecular wiring

3 March 2001

Molecular electricians now have a roll of wire in their toolbox, following
the discovery of a molecule that conducts electricity well at small scales. The
“wire”, made of an organic molecule called oligophenylenevinylene, could connect
components in molecular electronic circuits (Science, vol 291, p 1519).
Scientists at Brookhaven National Lab in New York and Stanford University in
California found that electrons “tunnel” through the material in less than 20
picoseconds over lengths of up to 3 nanometres.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop