Researchers at the University of Alberta have constructed a molecular transistor that uses a single charged atom to control the current through a nearby molecule.

The molecular transistor, which is similar to a field-effect transistor, is smaller, faster, and consumes less power than current transistors.  It resides on a silicon substrate, opening the possibility of hybrid circuits that use molecular transistors where space and power consumption are a premium, and conventional silicon technology elsewhere.  Whether or not such circuits will be useful and cost-effective in computing remains to be seen.

Story at CBC

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