COLUMBIA CENTER FOR ELECTRONIC TRANSPORT IN MOLECULAR NANOSTRUCTURES (NSEC)

  • Director: James Yardley

  • Years Active: 2001-2012

  • Co-PIs: Ronald Breslow, Horst Stormer, George Flynn, Tony Heinz, Shalom Wind, Louis Brus, James Hone, Richard Friesner, Philip Kim, Robert Laibowitz, Andrew Millis, Colin Nuckolls, Stephen O’Brien, Irving Herman, Aron Pinczuk, David Reichman, Latha Venkataraman, Mark Hybertsen (BNL)

  • Stated Mission: This Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center award to Columbia University was co-funded by Divisions of Chemistry (MPS), Materials Research (MPS) and International Programs (IN). Columbia University Nanocenter conducted research to establish the foundation for new paradigms for information processing through the development of fundamental understanding of charge transport phenomena unique to nanoscale molecular structures with special emphasis on crystalline organic conductors and carbon nanotube materials. Single-molecule structures were be fabricated by the Center through a fusion of advanced semiconductor technology and tailored molecular synthesis. The research elucidated the control of charge transport through single molecules in terms of the chemical structure and also examined underlying mechanistic questions. The research program placed strong emphasis on the modulation of charge transport through molecules, with the goal of developing a molecular transistor. Scientists from Canada, Germany, Japan and Switzerland collaborated with the Center in solid state surface analysis, single crystal growth, and the determination of electron transport properties of crystalline nanomaterials. Nanoscale structures and devices were fabricated and characterized in collaboration with Lucent and IBM research facilities. In addition to electronics, these studies of molecular transport in nanomaterials had potential impact to other disciplines such as photonics, biology, neuroscience, and medicine. Through partnership with Barnard College, City College of New York, and Rowan University, the Center incorporated an innovative educational program directed toward a wide variety of students at graduate, undergraduate, and high school levels. Educational and outreach programs were designed to attract students to nanotechnology, with particular attention to groups, which have been historically underrepresented in science.

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