Optical variations turn molecules into a diverse array of logical operators
DOI: 10.1063/10.0000837
Optical variations turn molecules into a diverse array of logical operators lead image
Logic gates are building blocks of electronic devices, but the rapid increase in information requires data processing devices to be scaled to the molecular level. As a step toward molecular integrated circuits, Karar et al. demonstrated the possibility of using of the molecule (E)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylideneamino)phenol (MBAP) as several different types of logic devices.
“We were searching for a system that supports multiband emission against multiple excitation wavelengths,” said author Arabinda Mallick. “The result is a molecular system that acts as different logic gates which can be switched with the selection of only optical parameters.”
By varying the chemical inputs into the molecule, its excitation wavelength and its detected emission wavelength, the molecule’s logic behavior can be changed. By properly tuning these parameters, MBAP becomes a versatile, robust logic device with eight different types of logic functionalities. For example, by inputting a fluoride ion into MBAP and exciting and detecting the system at various wavelengths, “YES,” “NOT” or “PASS 0” gates can be created. These systems can be combined to form more complicated logic functions, such as building a dual mode molecular memory unit.
A key feature is the simplicity of changing logic states merely by varying optical parameters. This optical switching can be repeated indefinitely with little or no degradation.
To integrate these MBAP logic devices into actual circuits, a physical platform is needed to hold the chemicals and support the optical signals.
“Research groups across the world, including us, are putting their best efforts toward developing these functional materials and molecules, and employing them to act specifically,” Mallick said. “We hope to witness the functioning of smart molecules within devices people will use in the near future.”
Source: “Excitation wavelength as logic operator,” by Monaj Karar, Provakar Paul, Bhaskar Biswas, Arabinda Mallick, and Tapas Majumdar, Journal of Chemical Physics (2020). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5142045 .
