As the density of electronic circuits increases, electronic researchers are looking to nano-scale devices. Typical organic nanoswitches are slow (~ minutes) and are difficult to produce. Our conductive polymer nanocrystal system has switching times on the order of milliseconds and is scalable. This invention will allow for use of this nanoswitch system in conventional commercial micro or nanocircuits.
Organization: Center for Engineered Polymeric Materials (CEPM)
A NYSTAR sponsored CART center, College of Staten Island
Primary Market: Electronics
Technology Contact: Dr. Nan Loh Yang, Director of CEPM
IP profile courtesy of Nan Loh Yang, Director of Center for Engineered Polymeric Materials (CEPM), College of Staten Island
Professor Nan-Loh Yang, Director of the NYSTAR designated Center for Engineered Polymeric Materials (CEPM) indicated that these conductive polymer nanoswitches are especially suited for use in nanoelectronics and nanocircuitry and have switching speeds that are several orders of magnitude faster than typical organic switching materials. This crystalline conductive polymer material can cycle between two states based on an applied threshold bias voltage (~3V). This switching phenomenon has potential applications in circuit switching elements, e.g. driving organic electroluminescent (EL) display panels or for high-density memories.
Switching behavior of the nanoneedle vs. gold
Methods of manufacturing the nanoparticle polymer structure in the nanoswitch are based on a novel interfacial oxidative polymerization technique. Conductive polymers such as polythiophenes, polypyrroles and polyaniline were employed but were not limited to these polymer families. These highly crystalline conductive polymers have very rapid switching times which allows for the use of these materials in the targeted applications. The use of these electronics materials can open the door to many applications in both current and future circuit designs. CEPM is seeking partners in joint development of this invention. The immediate aim would be to make developmental prototype nanoswitches that could be used in current commercial devices.
