Exfoliation of Tellurium Atomic Chains for Future Nanoelectronics and Quantum Circuits
Abstract
We propose a breakthrough in material science and technology for electronic circuits by developing stand-alone 1D chains of atoms as the ultimate semiconductor. Inspired by graphene, the creation of this new material will enable the use of semiconductor electronic devices based on single atom chains, as well as devices formed by the coupling between chains, which can both be scaled for commercial purposes via novel growth methods. Crystalline tellurium (Te) is known to have a lattice of spiral chains oriented along one crystal axis, where each atom in a chain forms only two covalent bonds with its neighbors, with no additional dangling bonds. As a result, chemical bonds along the chain are much stronger than bonds between chains, indicating potential for stand-alone, individual atom chains, analogous to graphene. Our proposal aims to isolate individual Te atom chains on a substrate as a of principle that would launch an investigation of the unique properties of these chains and the integration of atom chains into functional quantum circuits. With the creation of this new material, chips could be fabricated with networks of atom chains transporting electron waves and forming the smallest possible transistors, as well as splitters and modulators via quantum tunneling where chains are brought close together. This material could transform the electronics industry and would advance cutting-edge research in science and engineering.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810015
Entities
People
- Hugh Churchill
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Arkansas