Physics Comps Talk

Jolene Mork

Molecular Electronics:  Exploring the Limits of Small

3:10 p.m.
Olin 141

March 10, 2010 (TODAY)

Smaller is better, we’ve been told, but in the age of Intel’s 32 nm transistor it is increasingly challenging to scale down electronic circuitry because quantum mechanics begins to play a role.  The use of individual molecules as circuit elements (hence the name molecular electronics) provides an opportunity for scientists to harness quantum mechanics and use it to control conduction at the nanoscale.  Both the chemical structure of the molecule used and its geometry within the junction can dramatically affect the conduction properties of a molecular device, which means that molecules can act not only as wires but also as diodes, switches, and even single-electron transistors.  Molecules offer unique properties not available to silicon nanostructures, which allows for totally new switching mechanisms in circuits (e.g. change of conformation upon binding an analyte).  Molecular devices will be discussed in the context of quantum mechanical charge transport mechanisms, including tunneling and thermally activated hopping, and the talk will conclude with a discussion of exciting new molecular devices.

ACS Awards for Women Undergraduates

2010 Priscilla Carney Jones Scholarship:  This scholarship was established by Paul R. Jones in memory of his wife, Priscilla Carney Jones, because of the difficulties she faced as a female chemist early in her career.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of financial need.  Click here for more information.

The 2010 Overcoming Challenges Award:  This award is designed to recognize a woman undergraduate from a two-year or four-year institution for her efforts in overcoming hardship to achieve success in chemistry.  Click here for more information.

Rhode Island Teaching Fellows
Application Deadline Extended to March 22, 2010

Rhode Island Teaching Fellows (RITF) is an opportunity to use your degree in chemistry to become a certified chemistry teacher who is committed to raising student achievement in RI.  Based on their partner districts’ needs, RITF has extended the final deadline for 2010 applications to March 22, 2010.  They are looking for outstanding individuals with backgrounds in math, science or English related fields, to join their community of dedicated educators.  Through Rhode Island Teaching Fellows, individuals with a college degree and minimum 3.0 GPA in math, science or English can apply to become trained and certified as a teacher through their program (no education coursework or experience is necessary).  Go to the RITF website to find out more about the eligibility requirements.

Have a good spring break!