Roles of Quantum Nanostructures in Advanced Electronics

Abstract

In today's electronics, core layers in key semiconductor devices, such as transistors and lasers, are all set to be 10nm or less. There one must not only control their layer thickness and flatness but also manipulate quantum or wave natures of electrons. Trends in such nano-layer technology are examined to clarify its roles both in improving core devices and opening a new field of quantum-effect devices. The reduction of in-plane dimensions of transistors to 100nm or less has been a main thrust for advancing LSI and high-speed communication. We describe trends in such efforts and also recent progress in manipulating electron waves with 10nm-scale quantum wire or box/dot structures for advanced electronics applications.