The highlights in the nano world

Abstract

In this highlight paper, the key structures and devices in nanoelectronics and spintronics are described. The successful realization of magnetic RAM (MRAM) by using nanotechnology has been demonstrated through the integration of 1-Mb chip. In this design, the pseudo spin valve (PSV) technology has been applied. Key quantum devices like quantum dot surface emitting lasers, quantum dot intersubband detectors, and molecular electronics are presented. In the emergent nanobiotechnology, nanodevices fabricated by using biotechnology and nanobiomedical applications using nanoparticles have been addressed. Since universities play important roles in both research and education, innovative nanotechnology education efforts in universities such as the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network have been described. Finally, the leading role of the IEEE in promoting worldwide nanotechnology research and education is addressed and future advances in nanotechnology are expected.

Spintronic devices: a promising alternative to CMOS devices

“…Circuits consisting of these devices have promised to reduce the power dissipation to some extent and are widely used at present in ICs. However, there is an urge to find alternatives for the future, which leads to go beyond CMOS technology [10,16,17]. The semiconductor industry has been consistently putting down the road map for future technological growth by outlining the developments in materials, devices, and systems that can maintain and enhance the storage as well as the computational capacity of current ICs [18].…”