Three-Bit Digital Comparator Based on Intracell Diffusion of Silver Single Atom.

Using a single atom to construct electronic components is a promising route for the microminiaturization of electronic instruments. However, effective control of the intrinsic property in a molecular/atomic prototype component is full of challenges. Here, we present that the intracell diffusion behavior of a target Ag single atom within a unit cell of Si reconstruction is controllably modulated by constructing Ag nanoclusters and arrays in the neighboring cells. Moreover, a three-bit digital comparator device is fabricated on the basis of the diffusion time of a Ag single atom that can be effectively regulated by using the intercoupling between the target Ag monomer and the surrounding metal arrays.