Elektronetet

Elektronetet is a term used in some discussions of nanoscale electronics to describe a hypothetical network in which information is carried and processed primarily by controlled flows of electrons within nanoscale conductors. It is not an established technology but rather a conceptual framework for exploring highly dense, low-latency interconnects and computation.

The word combines elektron (electron) and nettet (the network) in Norwegian, reflecting its roots in electron-based communication.

The concept relies on phenomena such as ballistic electron transport, single-electron effects, and spintronics to transfer signals with minimal energy dissipation. It envisions interconnections built from nanowires, two-dimensional materials, and quantum dots, where information is encoded in charge, spin, or quantum states and routed through a network rather than conventional charge-based wires.

Candidate technologies include single-electron transistors, quantum dots, graphene and other 2D materials, nanowire interconnects, and superconducting or topological devices to reduce noise and heat. Control of fabrication defects, thermal management, and coherence are central research challenges.

Potential applications span ultra-fast on-chip signaling, neuromorphic architectures, energy-efficient data centers, and distributed quantum information links. Major obstacles include scalable fabrication, thermal and environmental stability, integration with existing CMOS, and the need for standardized models and measurement methods.