Molecule-based microelectronic devices
US4895705A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S436/806
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Several types of new microelectronic devices including diodes, transistors, sensors, surface energy storage elements, and light-emitting devices are disclosed. The properties of these devices can be controlled by molecular-level changes in electroactive polymer components. These polymer components are formed from electrochemically polymerizable material whose physical properties change in response to chemical changes, and can be used to being about an electrical connection between two or more closely spaced microelectrodes. Examples of such materials include polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene, which respond to changes in redox potential. Each electrode can be individually addressed and characterized electrochemically by controlling the amount and chemical composition of the functionalizing polymer. Sensitivity of the devices may be increased by decreasing separations between electrodes as well as altering the chemical environment of the electrode-confined polymer. These very small, specific, sensitive devices provide means for interfacing electrical and chemical systems while consuming very little power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.