Quantum-dot devices and quantum-dot cellular automata

We discuss novel nanoelectronic architecture paradigms based on cells composed of coupled quantum dots. Boolean logic functions may be implemented in specific arrays of cells representing binary information, the so-called Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata (QCA). Cells may also be viewed as carrying analog information, and we outline a network-theoretic description of such Quantum-Dot Nonlinear Networks (Q-CNN). In addition, we discuss possible realizations of these structures in a variety of semiconductor systems (including GaAs/AlGaAs, Si/SiGe, and Si/SiO2), rings of metallic tunnel-junctions, and candidates for molecular implementations. (C) 1997 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.