abstract
As silicon-based technologies approach their physical limits, the search for alternative computing paradigms becomes imperative. Molecular logic has emerged as a promising approach, particularly the systems based on trivalent lanthanide ions that exploit the unique photophysical properties of these ions to implement Boolean logic operations. This focus article provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, methodologies, and recent advancements in luminescence-driven molecular computing. Designed for newcomers, it outlines the fundamental concepts, essential experimental techniques, and standardized protocols for characterizing luminescent molecular logic devices. The advantages of these devices, such as energy efficiency, multiplexing capabilities, and adaptability to complex environments, are also critically examined. Addressing some limitations of traditional electronics, molecular logic paves the way for innovative applications in diagnostics, sensing, and novel computational architectures, offering a transformative and sustainable pathway for next-generation information processing.
subject category
Chemistry; Materials Science
authors
Brites, CDS
our authors
Carlos Brites
Associate ProfessorProjects
CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDB/50011/2020)
CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDP/50011/2020)
Associated Laboratory CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (LA/P/0006/2020)
acknowledgements
This work was developed within the scope of the project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020, and LA/P/0006/2020, and LogicALL (PTDC/CTM-CTM/0340/2021) financed by Portuguese funds through the FCT/MECI (PIDDAC).