Electromechanical three-trace junction devices

• US 7,521,736 B2
• Filed: 06/15/2006
• Issued: 04/21/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nantero Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Nantero Incorporated
• Inventors: Bertin, Claude L., Segal, Brent M., Rueckes, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Menz; Douglas M
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fulk; Steven J.
• Application Number:
  US11/454,216
• Publication Number:
  US 20060231865A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 257/208, 257/E27.103, 438/128, 365/134, 977/943, 977/742
• US Class Current: 257/208
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 10/00 Nanotechnology for information processing, storage or transmission, e.g. quantum computing or single electron logic
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 11/56 using storage elements with more than two stable states represented by steps, e.g. of voltage, current, phase, frequency
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 13/025 using fullerenes, e.g. C60, or nanotubes, e.g. carbon or silicon nanotubes
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 2213/77 Array wherein the memory element being directly connected to the bit lines and word lines without any access device being used
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 23/00 Digital stores characterised by movement of mechanical parts to effect storage, e.g. using balls; Storage elements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 1/0094 Switches making use of nanoelectromechanical systems [NEMS]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/742 Carbon nanotubes, CNTs
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/932 for electronic or optoelectronic application
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/936 in a transistor or 3-terminal device
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/943 Information storage or retrieval using nanostructure

Abstract

Three-trace electromechanical devices and methods of using same are described. The device of the present invention includes first and second electrically conductive elements with a nanotube ribbon (or other electromechanical elements) disposed therebetween. The nanotube ribbon is capable of maintaining its position after removing an electrical stimulus applied to at least one of the first and second electrically conductive elements. Such devices may be formed into arrays of cells. One of the conductive elements may be used to create an attractive force to cause the nanotube ribbon to contact a conductive element, and the other conductive element may be used to create an attractive force to pull the nanotube ribbon from contact with the contacted conductive element. The electrically conductive traces may be aligned or unaligned with one another.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a first control electrode for receiving a first electrical stimulus;

a second control electrode for receiving a second electrical stimulus; and

a nanotube ribbon positioned between the first control electrode and the second control electrode, the nanotube ribbon receiving a third electrical stimulus;

wherein the nanotube ribbon is deflectable toward at least one of the first and second control electrodes to a position in non-volatile electrical contact with at least one of the first and second control electrodes in response to electrical stimulus applied to at least one of the first and second control electrodes and the nanotube ribbon;

such that the nanotube ribbon remains in electrical contact with at least one of the first and second control electrodes after the electrical stimulus is removed.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the nanotube ribbon comprises at least one nanotube extending along the extent of the nanotube ribbon.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a material positioned in between the first electrode and the nanotube ribbon.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the material comprises an insulating material.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the material is in contact with at least one of the first electrode and the nanotube ribbon.

6. The device of claim 3, further comprising:

a material positioned in between the second electrode and the nanotube ribbon.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the material placed in between the second electrode and the nanotube ribbon comprises an insulating material.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the material placed in between the first electrode and the nanotube ribbon is in contact with at least one of the first electrode and the nanotube ribbon;

and

the material placed in between the second electrode and the nanotube ribbon is in contact with the second electrode and the nanotube ribbon.

9. The device of claim 6, wherein the material placed in between the first electrode and the nanotube ribbon comprises an insulating material;

and

the material placed in between the second electrode and the nanotube ribbon comprises an insulating material.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the nanotube ribbon is in spaced relation to the first electrode.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the nanotube ribbon is in spaced relation to the second electrode.