| Summary: | Molecular quantum-dot cellular automaton (QCA) offers an alternative paradigm
for computing at the nano-scale. Such Q C A circuits require an external
clock, which can be generated using a network of submerged electrodes, to
synchronize information flow, and provide the required power to drive the
computation. In this thesis, the effect of electrode separation and applied
potential on the likelihood of different Q C A cell states of molecular cells located
above and in between two adjacent electrodes is analysed. Using this
analysis, estimates of operational ranges are developed for the placement,
applied potential, and relative phase between adjacent clocking electrodes to
ensure that only those states that are used in the computation, are energetically
favourable. Conclusions on the trade-off between cell size and applied
clocking potential are drawn and the temperature dependency on the operation
of fundamental Q C A building blocks is considered. Lastly, the impact
of random phase shifts on the underlying clocking network is investigated
and a set of universal Q C A building blocks is classified into distinct groups
based on their sensitivity to these random phase shifts. === Applied Science, Faculty of === Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of === Graduate
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