ABSTRACT
Under the notion of “molecular electronics” a number of proposals have appeared on how to use molecules to perform information processing functions. The suggested molecular functions range from mimicking known semiconductor devices like diodes and transistors or charge storage devices up to molecular shift registers. This chapter introduces some simple concepts, starting from well-known molecular functions that, combined in the proper way, may lead to information processing units. It briefly reviews the structure of aromatic (unsaturated) and aliphatic (saturated) molecules and summarizes their electronic structure, including their charge excitations. Aromatic molecules are grouped into donor (D), acceptor (A), and bridge (B) molecules, where the bridge molecule is positioned intermediate between the donor and the acceptor. The chapter discusses DA and DBA molecular segments of the aromatic moelcules. Information processing capabilities may be achieved by grouping DBA cells into molecular chains. The chapter reviews the controlled charge transfer function in those chains.
