Theory of Quantum Transport in Metallic and Hybrid Nanostructures (NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, 230)

A new science emerges at the intersection of modern physics, computer s- ence,andmaterialscience. Thestruggletofurtherminiaturizeisputtingna- technology to the verge of creating single-electron and/or single-spin devices that operate by moving a single electron (spin) and can serve as transistors, memory cells, and for logic gates. These devices take advantage of quantum physics that dominates nanometer size scales. The devices that utilize met- based hybrid nanostructures may possess signi?cant advantages over those exploiting purely semiconducting materials. First, the chemistry of metals is typically simpler than that of semiconductors. Second, the electric properties of metals are much less sensitive to the structural defects and impurities than those of semiconductors. Next, metallic devices allow better electric and th- mal contacts. Another important plus point is that in metals the electron de Broigle wavelength is smaller by many orders of magnitude as compared to that in semiconductors. This makes metallic devices more promising with respect to their size - down to the size of an atom. Further, high bulk and interface thermal conductance in metallic devices are bene?cial for the heat withdraw. And, last but by no means the least, the high electron velocity in metals promises to accelerate enormously operation rates with respect to those in semiconductor-based devices. The ?nal note is that metals can - hibit strong ferromagnetism and/or superconductivity.

there Is A Major Development Emerging At The Intersection Of Modern Physics, Computer Science, And Materials Science, Which Struggles To Squeeze More Devices Into A Restricted Volume And Constitutes A Central Focus Of Modern Nanotechnology. Utilizing The Metal-based Hybrid Nanostructures May Offer Significant Advantages Over Those Exploiting Purely Semiconductor Materials. First, The Chemistry Of Metals Is Typically Simpler Than That Of Semiconductors. Second, The Electric Properties Of Metals Are Much Less Sensitive To The Structural Defects And Impurities Than Those Of Semiconductors. Next, Metallic Devices Allow Better Electric And Thermal Contacts. And, Last But By No Means Least, The High Electron Velocity In Metals Promises To Accelerate Enormously Operation Rates With Respect To Those In Semiconductor-based Devices.

the Book Reflects Scientific Developments In The Physics Of Metallic Compounds Based Nanodevices Presented At The Nato-sponsored Workshop On Nanophysics Held In St. Petersburg, Russia In Summer Of 2003. The Program Intended To Attack The Most Appealing Problems By Bringing Together The Best Specialists In The Field And To Give An Opportunity For Young Researchers From The Partner Countries To Interact With The World's Leading Scientists And Get Actively Involved In The Most Appealing And Promising Interdisciplinary Area Of Contemporary Condensed Matter Physics.