Logic devices for partitioned quantum-dot cells

Quantum-dot cellular automata are a method of computation using a small number of electrons. This paper explores the use of quantum-dot cellular automata as logic devices and proposes a way to increase the reliability of these devices. By manipulating their architecture, the energy difference between the ground state and the first excited state can be increased. A larger difference allows for higher operating temperatures at the same reliability level or increased reliability at lower temperatures. The architectural changes explored in this paper include limiting the number of quantum dots accessible by an electron within a cell and the addition of a secondary layer of quantum-dot cells.