Molecules that arrange themselves into predictable patterns on silicon chips could lead to microprocessors with much smaller circuit elements. Researchers in Karl Berggren’s group are using electron-beam lithography sparingly, to create patterns of tiny posts on a silicon chip. They then deposit specially designed polymers — molecules in which smaller, repeating molecular units are linked into long chains — on the chip. The polymers spontaneously hitch up to the posts and arrange themselves into useful patterns. «more»
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Self-assembling computer chips