Enrique Blair led the theoretical analysis of various mixed-valence molecules to identify potential candidates for use as computing bits.
In a quest for innovative computing paradigms, scientists are delving into mixed-valence molecules as potential replacements for traditional transistors, aiming to build quantum-dot cellular automata.
This alternative approach to computing, outlined in a study published in the Journal of Computational Chemistry, envisions low-power classical computing using mixed-valence molecules, showcasing terahertz switching speeds compared to the current gigahertz in transistor-based processors.
Conventional improvements in transistor-based computers have faced challenges due to physical limitations and diminishing performance gains. To overcome these hurdles, researchers are exploring mixed-valence molecules, which have outer electrons known as valence electrons capable of dynamic movement in response to an external electric field.
The fundamental units in this alternative computing system are the molecules themselves, where information is stored based on the position of the valence electron within the molecule, akin to bits in traditional computers. Unlike quantum computing, this concept is suitable for general-purpose computing.
Enrique Blair, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Baylor University in Texas, led the theoretical analysis of various mixed-valence molecules to identify potential candidates for use as computing bits. The study considered molecules like hydrogen molecular cation (H2+), hydrogen molecular anion (H2-), and various carbon-based molecules proposed in the literature.
The effectiveness of a mixed-valence molecule as a computing bit depends on the sensitivity of its valence electrons to the electric field and the degree to which its state changes when interacting with nearby ions. Computational modeling was employed to study the dynamics and behavior of valence electrons in ionic mixed-valence molecules.
A notable challenge in this approach is the influence of random ions on the behavior of valence electrons, affecting the reliability of the computer. To address this, researchers explored zwitterions, molecules with both positive and negative charges within the same molecule at defined locations, resulting in a net neutral charge.
Zwitterions were designed with built-in counterions to avoid biasing any molecular device state, as the counterion is located at the center of the molecule. This design minimizes the attraction of random external ions, allowing the molecular bits to maintain their shape and responsiveness.
While the results are promising, further experimental and computational work is needed to validate the behavior of these molecular bits in real-world scenarios. The implementation of large-scale technology using mixed-valence molecules may encounter unforeseen challenges, and researchers acknowledge the need for additional analysis in three-dimensional, real materials.
Despite the challenges, the study marks a significant step toward creating more powerful, compact, and energy-efficient computing devices. The researchers envision a future where this molecular approach could overcome the limitations of traditional computing technology, offering higher density and reduced heat generation—an enticing prospect for the future of computing.