Lanthanide luminescence to mimic molecular logic and computing through physical inputs

Abstract

<p>The remarkable advances in molecular logic reported in the last decade</p><p>demonstrate the potential of luminescent molecules for logical operations, a</p><p>paradigm-changing concerning silicon-based electronics. Trivalent lanthanide</p><p>(Ln3+) ions, with their characteristic narrow line emissions, long-lived excited</p><p>states, and photostability under illumination, may improve the state-ofthe-</p><p>art molecular logical devices. Here, the use of monolithic silicon-based</p><p>structures incorporating Ln3+ complexes for performing logical functions is</p><p>reported. Elementary logic gates (AND, INH, and DEMUX), sequential logic</p><p>(KEYPAD LOCK), and arithmetic operations (HALF ADDER and HALF SUBTRACTOR)</p><p>exhibiting a switching ratio >60% are demonstrated for the first</p><p>time using nonwet conditions. Additionally, this is the first report showing</p><p>sequential logic and arithmetic operations combining molecular Ln3+ complexes</p><p>and physical inputs. Contrary to chemical inputs, physical inputs may</p><p>enable the future concatenation of distinct logical functions and reuse of the</p><p>logical devices, a clear step forward toward input–output homogeneity that is</p><p>precluding the integration of nowadays molecular logic devices.</p>