Quantum-dot cellular automata: computing by field polarization

Abstract

As CMOS technology continue its monotonic shrink, computing with quantum dots remains a goal in nanotechnology research. Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is a paradigm for low-power, high-speed, highly dense computing that could be realized in a variety of materials systems. Discussed here are the basic paradigm of QCA, materials systems in which QCA might be constructed, a series of experiments performed in the metal tunnel junction technology, and ideas for future QCA implementations.