Celebrating 50 Years of Molecular Electronics
Northwestern's Impact and Ratner's Pioneering Legacy
By Kelly Levander
The 50th anniversary of the theory of molecular electronics in 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the scientific community, showcasing the transformative impact of Mark Ratner's visionary collaboration with Ari Aviram in 1974. Ratner, dubbed the "father of molecular-scale electronics," not only earned this moniker but also laid the foundation for significant developments within our Department.
Northwestern Chemistry has integrated Ratner's pioneering work on the principles of molecular electronics into its research focus, shaping the curriculum over the years. This commitment to advancing nanotechnology is evident in the establishment of the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), a direct outcome of research in molecular-scale electronics. The institute serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering cutting-edge research at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and materials science.
Molecular electronics, an interdisciplinary field spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science, uses molecular building blocks for electronic components. The potential for size reduction in electronics through molecular-level control of properties excites researchers, offering a path to extend Moore's Law beyond the limits of conventional silicon integrated circuits.
While the concept of molecular electronics was initially introduced by German physicist Arthur Von Hippel in 1956, it was Ratner and Aviram's 1974 article, "Molecular Rectifiers," that catalyzed a paradigm shift. This theoretical calculation of transport through a modified charge-transfer molecule, akin to a semiconductor diode, fueled years of subsequent research. Ratner's contributions were honored with the Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology in 2001, solidifying his legacy and the enduring impact of molecular electronics on modern technology.
Northwestern's research teams, inspired by Ratner's pioneering spirit, continue to unravel the potential of molecular electronics by exploring practical applications and pushing the boundaries of this once-theoretical framework. Ratner's influence remains a driving force in the Department's dedication to both academic understanding and the practical realization of this groundbreaking technology.