One-Dimensional Atomic Chains for Ultimate-Scaled Electronics

Abstract

The continuous downscaling of semiconducting channels in transistors has driven the development of modern electronics. However, with the component transistors becoming smaller and denser on a single chip, the continued downscaling progress has touched the physical limits. In this Perspective, we suggest that the emerging one-dimensional (1D) material system involving inorganic atomic chains (ACs) that are packed by van der Waals (vdW) interactions may tackle this issue. Stemming from their 1D crystal structures and naturally terminated surfaces, 1D ACs could potentially shrink transistors to atomic-scale diameters. Also, we argue that 1D ACs with few-atom widths allow us to revisit 1D materials and uncover physical properties distinct from conventional materials. These ultrathin 1D AC materials demand substantive attention. They may bring opportunities to develop ultimate-scaled AC-based electronic, optoelectronic, thermoelectric, spintronic, memory devices, etc.

Tuning the Sharing Modes and Composition in a Tetrahedral GeX2 (X = S, Se) System via One-Dimensional Confinement

“…Furthermore, we observe various structural variations that correlate with the nanotube diameter, which agrees with prior research. − ,,,,− For ultranarrow nanotubes with an inner diameter less than 0.9 nm, we observe the presence of 1D single atomic chains, as reported in several previous studies. − ,,− ,− The stacking structure of multiple type-1 or type-2 chains can be stabilized within larger diameter nanotubes, as shown in Supporting Figures S11 and S12. Inside relatively wide nanotubes (typically larger than 1.2 nm), amorphous-type structures are found, as shown in Supporting Figure S13.…”

“…For example, previous studies have indicated that silica can be stabilized in the two-dimensional (2D) limit. , Similarly, one-dimensional (1D) confinement inside carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) may be utilized to pack tetrahedral building blocks and realize crystalline phases with modified connectivity. Previous studies have indeed demonstrated the synthesis and stabilization of various materials inside nanotubes, including carbon nanomaterials, pnictogens (P, As, and Sb), halides, and transition-metal chalcogenides. − Although these studies have shown interesting quasi-1D nanostructures and physical properties, ,,,,− packing of tetrahedral building blocks has yet to be reported. Transition-metal chalcogenides with octahedral building blocks have been encapsulated in nanotubes, , but the tuning of the octahedral connectivity is limited due to the isotropic bonding nature.…”

Ultraviolet-driven metal oxide semiconductor synapses with improved long-term potentiation

“…21–23 Particularly, the unique adjustable wide bandgap of MOSs endows them with ideal properties to construct short-wavelength photoconductors, especially considering the large surface-to-volume ratio of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures. 24–26 To be specific, we have previously developed a fabrication process combining low-temperature combustion and electrospinning techniques to make indium zinc oxide (InZnO) nanowires for high-performance ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors. 27 We also tuned the corresponding electrical response by configuring multi-cation MOSs.…”

Ternary GePdS3: 1D van der Waals Nanowires for Integration of High-Performance Flexible Photodetectors

“…Compared with traditional semiconductors, photodetectors ground on 1D vdW materials demonstrate advantages in the following aspects: (I) The dangling bonds-free surface of 1D vdW materials is insensitive to adsorbates, surface contaminations, and lattice defects, which is beneficial for fabricating photodetectors with ultrahigh speed and highly sensitive photoresponse. (II) Giant anisotropy induced by the distinctly different bonding between intrachain (covalent bonding) and interchain (vdW interaction) in 1D vdW nanowires is a prerequisite for polarized photodetection. , (III) The intrinsic 1D crystal structure is conducive to fabricating flexible and integrated photodetectors. , (IV) 1D vdW nanowires with chirality provide a platform for the exploration of multiple mechanisms coupling and Stokes photodetectors. − (V) Weak vdW interaction in the interchain of 1D vdW materials is essential for fabricating hybrid photodetectors. − (VI) Spin–orbit qubit emerges in 1D nanowires due to their strong spin–orbit coupling, which can be used to respond to an external AC electric field, namely, the effect of spin resonance of electric dipole, playing a crucial role in developing photodetectors based on different physical mechanisms. − …”

“…(II) Giant anisotropy induced by the distinctly different bonding between intrachain (covalent bonding) and interchain (vdW interaction) in 1D vdW nanowires is a prerequisite for polarized photodetection. 13,14 (III) The intrinsic 1D crystal structure is conducive to fabricating flexible and integrated photodetectors. 8,15 (IV) 1D vdW nanowires with chirality provide a platform for the exploration of multiple mechanisms coupling and Stokes photodetectors.…”