Discrete two-terminal single nanocluster quantum optoelectronic logic operations at room temperature.

Abstract

Readily formed at nanoscale break junctions, arrays of individual spatially isolated, strongly electroluminescent Ag(2)-Ag(8) nanoclusters perform complex logic operations within individual two-terminal nanoscale optoelectronics devices. Simultaneous electrical excitation of discrete room-temperature nanocluster energy levels directly yields AND, OR, NOT, XOR, and even full addition logic operations with either individual nanoclusters or nanocluster pairs as the active medium between only two electrodes. Imaged in parallel, noncontact electroluminescent readout obviates the need for electrically isolating individual features. This gated, pulsed, two-terminal device operation will likely drive future nano and molecular electronics advances without complicated nanofabrication.