Electronics – Revolutionary sensors

Single electron transistors developed at ORNL hold great promise as smaller and less expensive sensors that are also easier to make than conventional devices. The new sensors are based on microcantilevers, which are the simplest micro-electromechanical systems that can be easily mass produced. The real feat is in using a nano-cantilever to move single electrons at room temperature rather than having to cool the device to liquid nitrogen temperatures, according to the researchers. They expect first applications to be as miniaturized chemical and biological agent sensors.