Prospects for single molecule information processing devices

Present information technologies use semiconductor devices and magnetic/optical discs, however, they are all foreseen to face fundamental limitations within a decade. This paper reviews prospects for future information technologies and other advanced applications, placing emphasis on the information processing switching devices. Architectures are briefly discussed in the light of suitability for the advanced information processing. Candidate single molecule information processing device ideas are also discussed and evaluated based on the necessary characteristics of information devices. Possible four milestones for realizing the future high performance personal molecular supercomputer are proposed. Current status and necessary technologies of the first milestone, as well as necessary technologies for the next three milestones are described.