Scientists have created a new molecular device. It works like our brain

The new plastic device can be instantly reconfigured for different computing tasks: for this

you just need to change the voltage that is applied to it. 

Also in his work there is a resemblance to the brain, because the device stores information about its previous actions for later retrieval and processing.

The brain has a remarkable abilitycreate and break connections between nerve cells. To do the same in a physical system is an extremely difficult task. Our new molecular device is surprisingly quickly reconfiguring not by changing physical connections, as in the brain, but by reprogramming its logic.

Stanley Williams, Ph.D. and Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas

During the work, the authors developed a special material: it has a central iron atom bound to three organic molecules of phenylazopyridine, they are called ligands.

The new material behaves like electronica sponge that can reversibly absorb up to six electrons. This results in seven different redox states. The relationship between these states is the very way to quickly reconfigure the device for different computing tasks. 

The new molecular device could help develop chips with increased processing power and speed, which will consume an order of magnitude less energy.

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