Amherst researcher to develop single-electron devices

17 Jun 2002

University of Massachusetts (Amherst) physicist Mark Thomas Tuominen received a Cottrell Scholars Award to develop "single-electron" devices -- ultrasmall metal structures in which electrical charges can be manipulated one electron at a time. Tuominen and 18 other award recipients were selected from among 112 applicants by Research Corporation, a foundation working to advance science.

In much the same way as AM radio waves cannot penetrate a tunnel through which automobiles pass, Tuominen's single-electron devices permit only electromagnetic waves of certain wavelengths to affect them. Tuominen says the unique properties of the devices may make it possible for them one day to be a basis for the ultimate in electronics technology in which single electrons are manipulated. Possible future applications include computers miniaturized beyond anything dreamed of today -- so small, in fact, that their components would be molecular in size.