Flash memory created from single molecule
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.028449
Ars Technica : A tiny flash memory chip has been created from molecules of selenium trioxide enclosed in a cage-like structure of tungsten oxide. Because the molecules and the cage can exchange electrons and form bonds, the material is capable of holding an electrical charge. To test it, researchers covered a wire with a single layer of the caged molecules and applied a large negative voltage. Not only did the electrons stay in place for 336 hours, but the application of a smaller voltage allowed the electrons to be read out, and a large positive voltage returned the device to its original state. Although the write and read speeds are slower than those of current memory devices and require higher voltages, the researchers propose that improving the design could also improve the performance.
