Characterization of a single molecular QCA cell by Q-control enhanced amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy

Implementing Functionality in Molecular Self-Assembled Monolayers

“…To achieve a room-temperature QCA device, the energy spacing has to be increased by reducing the cell size to the molecular or even atomic scale. To this end, molecular-based QCA were proposed, − and molecular units that could serve as cells were developed. − The recently realized QCA, based on the controlled formation of dangling bonds on a silicon surface, represent a leap in this development. − Also, the well-defined multistability in assembled atomic-scale structures suggests itself for the use as QCA . When the cell is smaller, however, the correct alignment and spacing of neighboring cells is more critical for a correct implementation of its function. − This poses a severe challenge in implementing molecular-based QCA, since all cells must be positioned with atomic-scale precision.…”