Molecular electronics. Synthesis and testing of components

Molecular electronics involves the use of single or small packets of molecu les as the fundamental units for computing. While initial targets are the s ubstitution of solid-state wires and devices with molecules, long-range goa ls involve the development of novel addressable electronic properties from molecules. A comparison of traditional solid-state devices to molecular sys tems is described. Issues of cost and ease of manufacture are outlined, alo ng with the syntheses and testing of molecular wires and devices.