Session 1: Plenary

In the first paper, the interface between semiconductors and living cells is of great interest to medical science and technology. The realization of signaling and transduction pathways between semiconductor circuits and living tissues will enable dramatic advances in medical prosthetics, biosensorics, brain research and neurocomputation. In this talk, we discuss the electrical interfacing of semiconductors and of living cells, in particular of neurons. Cellular processes are coupled to microelectronic devices through the direct contact of cell membranes and semiconductor chips. The research is directed to reveal the structure and dynamics of the cell-semiconductor interface and to build up hybrid neuroelectronic networks. Thus, we explore the new world at the interface of the electronics in inorganic solids and the ionics in living cells. In the second paper, solid-state digital storage has seen a sustained and rapid proliferation over the last few decades. Driven by our insatiable demand for ever more storage, nonvolatile memory technology has been on a path driving towards ever lower cost per bit. In this talk, an overview of the future of nonvolatile memory will be provided. The continued scaling of NAND and NOR Flash memory will be discussed, including a discussion of the scalability challenges therewith. The need for multilevel and multilayer technologies will be analyzed, and various emerging nonvolatile memory technologies will be introduced, driving towards the realization of ultra-dense two-terminal cross point arrays. Process challenges for the realization of future generations of nonvolatile memories will be discussed, as will the role of design and system architecture on the future of nonvolatile memories. In the third paper, the use of photovoltaic technology has increased tremendously over the last decade, driven by substantial cost reductions in photovoltaic modules coupled with increases in conventional energy costs and concerns about the environment- - al impacts of fossil fuel consumption. In this talk, the future of photovoltaic technology is discussed, including an analysis of technological trends driving the development of next-generation photovoltaic systems. Innovations in silicon photovoltaic panels will be discussed, as will the future of various other types of photovoltaic technologies. The role of the semiconductor industry in general and the photovoltaic industry in particular on this development will be reviewed, thus providing a comprehensive discussion of the future of this vibrant and proliferating field.