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Nano Electro Mechanical Computers (NEMS)
Program Manager: Dr. Tayo Akinwande
NEMS seeks to develop a nano-electromechanical switch technology that demonstrates switching voltages of 1-10 volts, and switching times on the order of 1-100 nanoseconds. The technology is enabled by a diverse range of nanofabrication techniques, an understanding of material science at nanoscale, contact nanomechanics, and process integration challenges with modern electronic device fabrication processes. By marrying solid-state transistor technology with nanoscale mechanical switches/relays, the NEMS program aims at a digital logic technology in which the on-current is controlled by the transistor while the off-current is determined by the NEMS switch, nearly eliminating leakage power in circuits. The switches also have the potential to realize all-mechanical computing for highly radiation-resistant, and wide-temperature range of operation computers. Low turn-on voltages and fast switching times will be implemented so the technology will be compatible with the voltage and switching times required for high performance digital electronics, and yet operate at much lower power, reducing battery and cooling volume required. Since NEMS might be able to operate at high temperatures of 600-1000C, the technology could enable computers which operate intentionally at high temperature using energy lost during computation. Since the high temperature operation allows more effective energy conversion from heat to electricity, more of the energy lost during computation can be recovered, resulting in highly efficient "green"
computers, while reducing the size weight and power associated with cooling DOD electronics platforms.