Science & Technology - Big Strides In Molecular Electronics Research

44 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Big strides in molecular electronics research by Dr Mike Petty and Professor Jim Feast Directors, Centre for Molecular Electronics, University of Durham The recently established Centre for Molecular Electronics") at Durham Uni- versity initially will have no formal struc- ture and will act to support and promote research activities in this strategic and highly interdisciplinary subject. Molecular electronics is generally con- cerned with the exploitation of organic materials in electronic and optoelec- tronic devices. Durham has a con- siderable expertise in this and an ex- cellent research record; much of the work involves collaboration between members of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Depart- ment of Chemistry. Examples of current research projects in- clude organic conductors, pyroelectric materials, non-linear optics and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films. The value of polymers in the established technologies of the electrical and elec-...