Scientists create world's first molecular transistor

[Are_grits_groceries]

A group of scientists from Yale University has succeeded in creating the first transistor made from a single molecule.

The team showed that a benzene molecule attached to gold contacts could behave just like a silicon transistor.

By altering the voltage applied to it through the contacts, the researchers were able to control the current passing through the molecule.

Hidden between these gold contacts is a single molecule, acting as a transistor
<snip>
Scientists are interested in using molecules in computer circuits because traditional transistors are not feasible at such small scales. However, Reed stressed that this is strictly a scientific breakthrough and that practical applications, such as small, fast molecular computers remain many decades away.

"We're not about to create the next generation of integrated circuits," he said. "But after many years of work gearing up to this, we have fulfilled a decade-long quest and shown that molecules can act as transistors."
http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/scientists-create-world-s-first-molecular-transistor-660945?src=rss&attr=newsall

When they do figure out how to make practical applications, it will be a seismic change.

[Hannah Bell]

1. creeping me out.

[madokie]

2. are you old enough to remember the first 2 transistor radios?

and the freedom they gave in where we listen to music

[Hannah Bell]

3. yes, that;s why it creeps me out; thinking of imbedded radios & made-to order people

& robots indistinguishable from humans & robot human mix.

blecch. not interesting to me.

[madokie]

4. Much too wild of an imagination for me

Do you really worry about that?

[Javaman]

6. The hollywood fear of Skynet taking over the world with single minded robots..

oh wait, we already have republicans for that.

Personally, I welcome our new terminator overlords.

At least they don't use spin. LOL

[madokie]

9. I live for the news of something new

I guess you could say I'm a new news junkie

[MadHound]

8. It certainly is coming

After all, they've got nano bots and surveillance "insects" and other super small spies. As far as human/machine hybrids, well we've already got that going, and it is only going to accelerate.

Technology is a double edged sword, one side being beneficial, the other side, destructive. Sadly, given human nature it is the second side that usually winds up being used the most.

[madokie]

10. I think with the knowledge that we gain each and every new day

that humans are on the cusp of figuring out that it would be better for all if we all left each other alone. Thats what I envision for the future. After all we've come a long ways so far, long ways to go I realize but we're making strides in the right direction. If this Obama Presidency comes down like I see it happening by the time he's out of the white house being a crook will no longer look so good and many will change their ways while some of the slimeballs will just die of old age and be gone as a big part of the slimiest of them all are getting up there in years you know. I see a change in attitudes coming our way, a less of mine to more of it's ours. A welcomed change to me too.

[Soylent Brice]

5. holy shit i was just reading about this yesterday in Kurzweil's

The Singularity is Near. the book also discusses using computational ability on subatomic levels.

:wow:

seismic is an understatement. great find! thank you!!!

enthusiastic K&R!!!

[liberal_at_heart]

7. I love science.