9802997 Freiman A conference will be held December 14-18, 1997 on theoretical and experimental aspects of molecular electronics with an emphasis on material science considerations. As the microelectronics field looks beyond silicon to evaluate different emerging fields for possible future technology, and as atomic level resolution probes have become available for accessing and manipulating individual molecules and molecular assemblies, molecular electronics has become a timely topic. New techniques will be discussed for making precise size oligomers, as well as new techniques for attaching them to designed surfaces. The conference will also concentrate on possible techniques for creating molecular circuits and methods needed to be able to interact with single molecules. The program is organized around 31 invited speakers, and both contributed papers and posters are scheduled. Special efforts have been made to recruit a diverse group of participants, including foreign and American scientists, younger and older researchers, and industrial, national laboratory and academic researchers. Objectives are to stimulate communications among the chemistry, physics, engineering and materials science communities working in this and related fields, and to formulate and delineate critical research necessary to move molecular electronics concepts closer to technological success. The conference is expected to provide an effective forum for discussion of critical scientific issues and directions in Molecular Electronics. Along with the opportunity to assess the field and future directions, it is expected that new ties will be established between universities, research institutions, and industry. %%% An evaluation of the progress and status of Molecular Electronics and related materials issues, especially critical materials and device related research areas, and the relationship of materials research to device fabrication along with current assessments of the most importan t developments in this field will be of great value to the understanding and enhanced utilization of materials in computing, data processing, and communications. ***
