“The paper synthesizes knowledge on nanotube transistor function and fabrication acquired in our group over the last few years and includes new ideas such as the fabrication of p- and n-type transistors without the need of any doping.”

It describes an important milestone in the field of molecular-level electronics. While single nanotube devices have been demonstrated before, this is the first demonstration of the ability to fabricate a fully functional integrated circuit onto a single molecule.

The paper synthesizes knowledge on nanotube transistor function and fabrication acquired in our group over the last few years and includes new ideas such as the fabrication of p- and n-type transistors without the need of any doping.

The paper demonstrates that our level of understanding of the electrical properties of nanostructures and the sophistication of nanometer-scale fabrication techniques make it now possible, at least at the research level, to fabricate whole working integrated circuits on a single nanometer-scale object.

This work is a natural step in our focused effort at IBM to evaluate the potential and develop a carbon nanotube-based electronic technology. Ring oscillators are essential for the evaluation of the AC current behavior of new structures. Since this is the first time that such a molecular circuit was attempted, we had to resolve numerous technical problems involving both its fabrication and operation.

We are continuing our efforts in the same area of nanotube electronics, placing special emphasis on the integration of many different nanotube devices on the same substrate by using techniques of guided self-assembly.

At this point we are at the research level trying to evaluate the potential of the new technology. It is how it will be used that will define any social or political implications.