quantum tunneling explained
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At the heart of our technology is a process called quantum tunneling. It's what makes our technology different from traditional electronic components.
Technically, it is when a "subatomic particle passes through a potential barrier that it cannot surmount under the provision of classical mechanics." In essence, we create a gateway for electricity to flow unlike anything else in the market. This process is insanely fast, requires little energy, and produces almost no heat. |
Quantum Tunneling Simplified
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molecular electronics
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Our technology is part of an exciting science called molecular electronics.
This is where molecules integrate directly into electronic designs. For example, in our Nanolog Devices™, a layer of carbon molecules becomes part of the circuit and maintains the analog signal. Our technology is the very first commercial application for this technology and science. Molecular electronics is offering new ways to shape the electronics that are the foundation of our society. It's here now, and it started with guitar pedals. And we think that's pretty cool. |
the nanoscale
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Think of the smallest thing you've seen. Now, think 100,000 times smaller. That's the nanoscale.
Our devices are made up of a layer of carbon molecules 2-8 nm thick, which is about 20,000 times thinner than your average strand of hair. When dealing with such tiny sizes, different rules of physics apply. This sets our technology apart from all traditional electronic components in a big (or very small) way. |
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...but all electronics use molecules
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Something we hear a lot is "modern electronics use molecules too."
Yes, everything is made up of molecules! The difference is that our technology operates at the nanoscale and uses quantum tunneling, all described above. Where traditional diodes are made up of billions of molecules, our active Nanolog Devices are made up of 2 to 8 molecules. These molecules create a direct link in an electrical circuit. Traditional electronics are determined by classical physics, and as such, they operate differently. |
i-V curve comparison
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Electricity, and how it carries signal, is what shapes audio performance.
The benefits of quantum tunneling and our technology come from the way that it conducts electricity. Diodes, whether silicon or germanium, are "start/stop" conductors that either conduct at a certain voltage, or they don't. That is pn junction physics in a nutshell. Quantum tunneling conducts differently: it's smooth and continuous. This is possible because the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle allows an electron to "show up" on the other side of a molecular layer that separates two conductors. This creates conduction at "classically forbidden" voltages. This has a profound effect on the way that sound is transmitted. An interesting note is that by controlling the thickness of our devices, we can change their IV curves. |
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sound wave comparison
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Here we can see the result of different clipping options in guitar pedals. The main difference is that our carbon technology is less compressed with softer edges.
This creates dynamic tones that eliminate much of the "harshness" and saturation typical of diodes. What these sound waves don't encapsulate is the actual texture of the tones created. You can hear this in our guitar pedal application through the reviews of our products here. |
molecular junction patent
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The technical term for a Nanolog Device™ is a "molecular junction." We have a fully issued patent in the USA, and several patents pending around the world.
A "Nanolog Device™" is what we call the electronic components we manufacture. We sell Nanolog Devices™ to other pedal builders, as well as use them in our own products. You can find more details about the devices in the "For Pedal Builders" section. We are always seeking out new potential applications and other innovators to work with. It takes a very particular skill set and access to advanced fabrication facilities to create our products. We aren't worried about anyone copying us anytime soon, and frankly, we will be amazed if anyone else can even pull it off! |
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manufacturing nanolog devices™
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From top to bottom, our Nanolog Devices™ are manufactured in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, which is a great hub for nanotechnology and entrepreneurship. Many opportunities exist here for funding, research, and commercialization.
Our products were developed at the Nanotechnology Research Centre, which is a part of the National Research Council Canada, and has close partnerships with the University of Alberta. Currently, we further rely on the services of nanoFAB and ACAMP to help us prototype and develop this technology at growing scales to meet the increasing demand and expanding market opportunities. |
resources
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For those of you who are interested in learning about molecular electronics, quantum tunneling, or our work with molecular junctions, there is a wealth of resources at your disposal.
Above is a very "high level" overview of a complex process and challenging scientific theories. A great place to start learning more is with either Rick or Adam's research. Alternatively, there's always Google. |
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creators
Pictured: Richard McCreery (Left), Adam Bergren (Right)
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It's taken a lifetime of research, commitment, and exploration to get to the point we are today.
Molecular electronics was once considered only a future possibility, something that was unable to be achieved in everyday life. Thanks to the efforts of our founders, Rick McCreery and Adam Bergren, we're now able to say that the future is here! Adam is a PhD Senior Research Officer at the NRC's Nanotechnology Research Centre, and Rick is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Alberta. Both have a peculiar affinity for carbon, science, and tone. You can always contact us with inquiries, or follow us on social media (icons below) to hear more. |
