WO2007052795A1

WO2007052795A1 - Storage device

Info

Publication number: WO2007052795A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/322113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jun Funaki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2005-11-07
Filing date: 2006-11-06
Publication date: 2007-05-10

Abstract

Disclosed is a storage device (100) comprising a first electrode layer (112), a second electrode layer (116) arranged opposite to the first electrode layer, and a supramolecular layer (114) which is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode and contains a supramolecular material whose light absorption coefficient varies.

Description

Specification

Storage device

Technical field

The present invention relates to the technical field of storage devices such as memory and electronic paper.

Background art

In recent years, various electronic papers have been developed as display media for displaying desired information using electrical signals. Electronic paper is a reflective type that displays the screen by reflecting light such as fluorescent light or sunlight that does not need to be touched by the backlight like a liquid crystal display, so the brighter the contrast ratio is, the clearer it is. The advantage is that the characters are clearly visible. There are many known information display technologies applicable to electronic paper using technologies such as particle rotation, electrophoresis, thermal rewritable and liquid crystal.

[0003] On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, a molecular system is a colorant that contains an electrochromic switchable molecule (for example, a polymer), and the switchable molecule is optically distinguishable from at least two. A technique is disclosed that can be selectively switched between different states. According to Patent Document 1, the optically distinguishable state is (1) a change from a molecular stretched state to a folded state, (2) rotation of a molecular substituent, and (3) charge injection. This is realized by the change in molecular structure caused by.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-98555

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] Here, it is conceivable to produce electronic paper using such a colorant. However, the optically distinguishable state by this colorant is technically inferior in stability because it depends on the change from the stretched state of the molecule to the folded state and the rotation of the substituents of the molecule. Has a problem. In addition, there is a technical problem that optical discriminability is poor because the color difference is so large. That is, there is a technical problem that the user cannot properly visually recognize characters and the like displayed on the electronic paper. [0006] The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a storage device having, for example, more suitable optical discrimination.

Means for solving the problem

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problem, the memory device of the present invention includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer disposed to face the first electrode layer, and a supramolecule having a changed light absorption coefficient. A supramolecular layer including a material and disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0008] The operation and other advantages of the present invention will be made clear by the embodiment described below.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view conceptually showing a basic structure of an electronic paper according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a chemical formula showing one specific example of supramolecules contained in the supramolecular material layer of electronic paper.

[Figure 3] This is a mathematical formula that conceptually shows two different states of heterodiotropic receptors.

FIG. 4 is a graph conceptually showing two different light absorption coefficients corresponding to two different states of a heterodiotropic receptor.

FIG. 5 is a plan view conceptually showing a display mode on electronic paper.

FIG. 6 is a chemical formula showing another specific example of supramolecules contained in the supramolecular material layer.

FIG. 7 is a chemical formula showing another specific example of supramolecules contained in the supramolecular material layer.

FIG. 8 is a chemical formula showing another specific example of supramolecules contained in the supramolecular material layer.

[FIG. 9] This is a mathematical formula that conceptually shows how the supramolecules shown in FIG. 8 trap molecules.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart schematically showing the flow of the electronic paper manufacturing method according to the present example.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a bonding mode between a gold electrode layer and a supramolecular layer.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a bonding mode between an ITO electrode layer and a supramolecular layer.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing the basic structure of electronic paper according to a modification.

FIG. 14 conceptually shows the basic structure of a molecular memory as a modification of the storage device of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram.

Explanation of symbols

[0010] 100 electronic paper

102 Molecular memory

112 Gold electrode layer

113 ITO electrode layer

114 supramolecular material layer

115a ion

115b molecule

116 Gold electrode layer

120 Display driver

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention as the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described in order.

[0012] An embodiment of the memory device of the present invention includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer disposed to face the first electrode layer, and a supramolecular material having a light absorption coefficient that changes. And a supramolecular layer disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0013] According to the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention, the supramolecular layer is formed so as to be sandwiched between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The supramolecular layer contains supramolecular materials whose light absorption coefficient changes. The supramolecular material is intended to indicate a complex molecular assembly that is linked and organized by loose bonding interactions between molecules and that exceeds individual molecules.

[0014] When the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular layer changes, the wavelength of light absorbed by the supramolecular material changes. For example, the light absorption coefficient of a part of the supramolecular material changes to absorb green light, while the light absorption coefficient of another part of the supramolecular material changes to change red light. Suppose that it comes to absorb. In this case, a part of the supramolecular material turns purple (ie, recognized by the user as purple), and another part of the supramolecular material turns light blue (ie, recognized by the user as purple). ) Supramolecular materials absorb If the wavelength of the light further changes, the supramolecular material will change to another color. Then, using this color change, various characters, figures, etc. can be displayed so as to be visible to the user. That is, the storage device according to the present embodiment can be used as a memory display such as electronic paper. Alternatively, even if the color change is not visible to the user, the storage device according to the present embodiment can be used as a memory by associating the color change with bid '0' or bid '1'.

In this embodiment, in particular, the change in the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material is not achieved by realizing an optically distinguishable state by using a change from the stretched state of the molecule to a folded state or rotation of the substituent of the molecule. Is used to realize an optically distinguishable state. Therefore, since the light absorption coefficient is different in each state, it has an advantage of excellent discrimination (for example, a contrast ratio between the background and a display object such as characters is relatively large).

As a result of the above, according to the embodiment of the storage device of the present invention, it is possible to realize a state in which optical identification can be performed more suitably.

[0016] One aspect of the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention is that the supramolecular material has the light absorption coefficient changed by movement of at least one of ions and molecules inside the supramolecular material. .

[0017] According to this aspect, the structure inside the supramolecular material is changed by moving at least one of ions and molecules inside the supramolecular material, and as a result, the light absorption coefficient can be suitably changed. It becomes possible. The state of being able to be optically discriminated by the movement of ions or molecules (or the difference in trapped positions, etc.) instead of changing the state of the molecule to the state of folding or rotating the substituent of the molecule. Therefore, it has the advantage of being excellent in stability.

[0018] In another aspect of the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention, the supramolecular material has the light absorption by moving at least one of ions and molecules between the supramolecular material and the outside. The coefficient changes.

[0019] According to this aspect, by moving at least one of ions and molecules between the outside of the supramolecular material, the structure inside the supramolecular material is changed, and as a result, the light absorption coefficient is changed. It becomes possible to make it. In addition, it can be optically discriminated by the movement of ions and molecules (or differences in trapped positions, etc.) instead of changing from the stretched state of the molecule to the folded state or rotating the substituent of the molecule. Therefore, it has the advantage of excellent stability.

[0020] In the aspect of the memory device in which at least one of ions and molecules moves as described above, the supramolecular material includes the ions according to the electric field applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. And at least one of the molecules moves. That is, the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material changes according to the electric field applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0021] With such a configuration, at least one of ions and molecules can be relatively easily compared with the inside of the supramolecular material or the outside of the supramolecular material according to the magnitude, direction, timing, and the like of the electric field. Can be moved to. Therefore, the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material can be changed relatively easily, and a predetermined character or the like can be displayed suitably and relatively easily.

[0022] In this aspect, an electric field applying means for applying an electric field having a desired magnitude and direction at a desired timing is further provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. Is preferred.

[0023] In the aspect of the storage device in which at least one of ions and molecules moves as described above, the storage device further includes a supply layer that supplies at least one of the ions and the molecules to the supramolecular material.

[0024] With this configuration, it is not necessary to previously include at least one of ions and molecules in the supramolecular material, and the range of selection of supramolecular materials that can be used in this embodiment is expanded.

[0025] In the aspect of the storage device in which at least one of ions and molecules moves as described above, the supramolecular material includes an envelope for enclosing (trapping) at least one of the ions and molecules. It has a contact structure.

[0026] With this configuration, since the supramolecular material has an inclusion structure, at least one of ions and molecules can be relatively easily or suitable between the inside and the outside. Move to It becomes possible to make it. That is, the supramolecular material has ion recognition or molecular recognition characteristics. For this reason, the memory | storage device concerning this embodiment can be manufactured suitably and it will become possible to enjoy the various profits mentioned above.

[0027] In another aspect of the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention, the supramolecular material includes cyclodextrin. Alternatively, in another aspect of the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention, the supramolecular material includes a heterodiotropic receptor.

[0028] According to this aspect, it is possible to suitably manufacture the memory device according to the present embodiment using these supramolecular materials, and as a result, it is possible to receive the various benefits described above.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention, at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer includes gold, and the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer At least one of the above and the supramolecular layer are bonded by a gold thiol bond (that is, bonded by a ligand method).

[0030] According to this aspect, at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer can be suitably bonded to the supramolecular layer (ie, supramolecular material). In other words, the bonding between at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and the supramolecular layer can be made stronger by the gold thiol bond, and a stable memory device can be manufactured. it can.

[0031] Further, since at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer contains gold (that is, because it is a gold electrode), the thickness of at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is reduced. If it is made thinner, the rear side of the user can see through. For this reason, it is more suitable when the storage device is used as electronic paper or the like.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention, at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer contains ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), and the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer In addition, at least one of the second electrode layers and the supramolecular layer are joined via a metal complex containing phosphonic acid therebetween (ie, joined by the anchor complex method).

[0033] According to this aspect, at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and the supramolecular layer (ie, supramolecular material) can be suitably bonded. More specifically, at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is formed by interposing a phosphonic acid and a rubidium metal complex between at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and the supramolecular layer. And supramolecular layer The That is, due to the presence of phosphoric acid or the like, the bonding between at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and the supermolecule layer can be made stronger, and a stable memory device can be manufactured. Togashi.

[0034] Further, since at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer contains ITO (that is, it is an ITO electrode), the rear side thereof can be seen through by the user. For this reason, it is more suitable when the storage device is used as electronic paper or the like.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention, the first electrode layer has a plurality of first signal lines extending in one direction, and the second electrode layer is the one It has a plurality of second signal lines extending in a different direction (or orthogonal) to the other direction.

[0036] According to this aspect, the intersections of the first signal line and the second signal line can be distributed in a matrix.

For example, when an electric field is applied to this intersection, the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material located at this intersection changes. For this reason, the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material can be changed in the same manner as a normal display by regarding the position of the intersection as a pixel, and as a result, as electronic paper (memory display) and molecular memory. Can be used.

[0037] It is also possible to use a display driving method in an existing liquid crystal display or plasma display.

[0038] In the aspect of the storage device including the first signal line and the second signal line as described above, the intersection of the first signal line and the second signal line is the size of a single molecule of the supramolecular material. They have approximately the same size.

[0039] With this configuration, the intersection of the signal lines can be made substantially the same as the molecular size of the supramolecular material itself, so that the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material can be changed to a high definition within a narrower range. You can make it. That is, if the storage device according to the present embodiment is used as electronic paper, the number of pixels can be relatively increased, so that the resolution can be increased. Further, if the storage device according to this embodiment is used as a memory such as a RAM, the storage capacity can be relatively increased.

[0040] The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments described below.

[0041] As described above, the embodiment of the memory device of the present invention includes the first electrode layer, the second electrode layer, and the supramolecular layer. Therefore, it realizes a state that can be optically discriminated more suitably It becomes possible to do.

Example

Hereinafter, embodiments of the storage device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] (Basic configuration)

First, an electronic paper (memory display) as an embodiment according to the storage device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view conceptually showing the basic structure of the electronic paper 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a supramolecular material included in the supramolecular material layer 114 of the electronic paper 100. It is a chemical formula showing one specific example.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1 (a), an electronic paper 100 according to this example includes a plastic film layer 110, a gold electrode layer 112, a supramolecular material layer 114, a gold electrode layer 116, and a plastic film. A layer 118 and a display driving unit 120 are provided.

[0045] The plastic film layers 110 and 118 are thin film substrates for protecting the entire electronic paper 100. Of course, other materials may be used as long as the entire electronic paper 100 can be protected even if it is not a plastic film, or it may not be a film.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, when the user views the electronic paper 100 from the plastic film layer 110 side, the plastic film substrate 110 located near and on the side of the user may be transparent. preferable. Further, in this case, it is preferable that the plastic film layer 118 located on the side far from the user is transparent (for example, white or the like) in view of improving visibility. More specifically, it is preferable that the plastic film layer 118 exhibits a predetermined color so that the contrast ratio between characters and the like displayed on the electronic paper 100 and the background is increased. However, both the plastic film layers 110 and 118 may be transparent. In this case, the user can visually recognize a predetermined character or the like from both sides of the electronic paper 100.

The gold electrode layers 112 and 116 include gold (Au), and are configured to be able to apply an electric field to the supramolecular material included in the supramolecular material layer 114. Especially supramolecular material layer for users In order to make various characters displayed in 114 visible, at least the thickness of the gold electrode layer near the user is set behind the gold electrode layer (or the back side or the side far from the user). Needs to be thin enough to see through. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the user views the electronic paper 100 from the side of the plastic film layer 110, the thickness of the gold electrode layer 112 on the side closer to the user needs to be very thin. . At this time, for example, the thickness of the gold electrode layer 112 may be about 50 nm.

[0048] In addition to the gold electrode layer, a transparent electrode such as an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) electrode layer or an IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide) electrode layer may be used. In this case, since these electrode layers are originally visible through the rear side, it is not necessary to make the electrode layers as thin as the gold electrode layers 112 and 116. Further, if an electric field can be applied to the supramolecular material layer 114 and at least close to the user and the back side of the electrode layer on the side can be seen through, the electrode layer may be configured using other materials. .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), the gold electrode layers 112 and 116 are configured such that their intersections are distributed in a matrix. That is, the gold electrode layer 112 is composed of a plurality of electrode lines (so-called data lines) arranged along a certain direction, and the other gold electrode layer 116 is orthogonal to the one direction. A plurality of electrode lines (i.e., scan lines) are arranged along the direction. Such intersection points correspond to pixels of a liquid crystal display or a plasma display. That is, by appropriately controlling the electric field applied to the intersection, the color of the supramolecular material layer 114 at the intersection can be changed by the user, and as a result, a predetermined character or the like can be displayed. it can. Further, if the density of the intersections is increased (if the distance between the electrode lines is narrowed), it becomes possible to display characters with higher definition. The operation principle of the electronic paper 100 will be described in detail later.

[0050] The supramolecular material layer 114 includes various supramolecular materials to be described later! For example, it includes a heterotrophic receptor, which is a specific example of a supramolecular material as shown in FIG. The heterotrophic receptor is disposed between the electrode wire related to the gold electrode layer 112 and the electrode wire related to the gold electrode layer 116 so as to be joined to these electrode wires.

[0051] Then, the heterodiotropic receptor has a structural part shown in the upper side of the chemical formula in FIG. 2 (that is, a cyclic structural part composed of S—N—S—N) and a lower side in the chemical formula in FIG. Structure A predetermined ion can be trapped (captured) in each of the structure portions (that is, the cyclic structure portion constituted by O—N—O—O—N). Alternatively, no ions can be trapped in either structure part. Due to the difference in these states, the light absorption coefficient of the heterodiotropic receptor changes, and the wavelength of the light absorbed by the heterodiotropic receptor appropriately changes. These changes in state are determined by the magnitude of the electric field applied to the heterodiotropic receptor (ie, at the intersection where the heterodiotropic receptor is located).

[0052] It should be noted that the square blank of the heterotrophic receptor in FIG. 2 can contain any group (for example, any group such as an alkyl group or a propyl group). Even if an arbitrary group is included, the heterodiotropic receptor traps ions as long as it includes the structural portion shown above the chemical formula in FIG. 2 and the structural portion shown below the chemical formula in FIG. It is possible to display a predetermined character or the like as will be described later.

[0053] The supramolecular material layer 114 preferably has a thickness of at least 500 to 1000 A or more (more preferably about 5000 A or more). In this case, for example, the supramolecular material layer 114 may be configured by stacking, for example, about 40 supramolecular materials.

In FIG. 1 again, the display drive circuit 120 appropriately controls the electric field applied to the supramolecular material layer 114. That is, the application timing, magnitude or direction of the electric field applied to the supramolecular material layer 114 is appropriately controlled. The configuration of the display driving circuit 120 is the same as that of a display driving circuit in a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or existing electronic paper, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0055] (Principle of operation)

Subsequently, the operation principle of the electronic paper 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, Fig. 3 is a chemical formula that conceptually shows two different states of the heteroditrophic receptor, and Fig. 4 conceptually shows two different light absorption coefficients corresponding to the two different states of the heterodiotropic receptor. FIG. 5 is a plan view conceptually showing a display mode on the electronic paper 100.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the heterodiotropic receptor has ions 115 (eg, , Copper ions) can be trapped (captured). In particular, the heterodiotropic receptor traps ions 115a in the structure shown on the upper side as shown in the chemical formula on the left side of FIG. 3, or on the lower side as shown in the chemical formula on the right side of FIG. The ions 115a can be trapped in the structure portion shown. In other words, the heterodiotropic receptor has a structural portion shown in at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the chemical formula shown in FIG. 3, and therefore can trap the ions 115a therein. Alternatively, although not shown, the ions 115a may not be trapped therein. The ions 115a may be configured so as to be included in the inside of the heterotrophic receptor in advance, or may be configured to be supplied from the outside as described later. The position where such ions 115 are trapped changes depending on the magnitude and direction of the electric field applied to the heterodiotropic receptor. In other words, the position where the ions 115 are trapped can be changed by electrical switching. More specifically, the ion density in the heterodiotropic receptor is changed by the electric field applied between the gold electrode layers 112 and 116, so that the ions 115 move inside the heterotropic receptor. As a result, the position where the ions 115 are trapped is appropriately changed to the upper structure portion or the lower structure portion of the chemical formula of the heterodiotropic receptor shown in FIG.

[0057] By changing the trapping position of the ion 115a (or by trapping or not trapping the ion 115a), the light absorption coefficient of the heterotrophic receptor itself is changed. It becomes possible. More specifically, the wavelength of light absorbed by the heterodiotropic receptor can be changed by changing the position where the ions 115a are trapped.

[0058] For example, depending on the position where the ions 115a are trapped, light having a wavelength of about 60 Onm is easily absorbed as shown in the thin graph of FIG. 4, or 800 nm as shown in the thick graph of FIG. It can easily absorb light of a certain wavelength. When light having a wavelength of about 600 nm (that is, green light) is absorbed, the heterodiotropic receptor (or the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular material layer 114) is visually recognized by the user as purple (dark blue). In addition, when absorbing light having a wavelength of about 8 OOnm (ie, mainly red light), the heterodiotropic receptor (or the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular material layer 114) becomes light blue (light blue). ) Is visually recognized by the user. Of course, by appropriately controlling the magnitude and direction of the applied electric field, or by using the supramolecular material layer 114 containing other supramolecular materials, it is configured so that the user can visually recognize the other colors. It is also possible. More specifically, for example, if it becomes easy to absorb light having a wavelength of about 400 nm (that is, blue light), the heterotopic pick receptor (or the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular material layer 114) is yellow. And visually recognized by the user.

[0059] As described above, the wavelength of light absorbed by the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular material layer 114 is changed by appropriately controlling the position where the electric field is applied or the magnitude and direction of the applied electric field. be able to. Therefore, the color visually recognized by the user can be appropriately changed according to the position on the supramolecular material layer 114.

[0060] For example, if a predetermined electric field is selectively applied to a portion of the supramolecular material layer 114 corresponding to a portion where characters are to be displayed, as shown on the left side of FIG. desired character (for example, "Hello" and "Hello" character of "Bonjour", etc.) and the child display becomes possible. In addition, the supramolecular material included in the supramolecular material layer 114 absorbs not only two types of light of the wavelength of 600 nm and the wavelength of 800 nm as described above, but also absorbs light of various other wavelengths. It is also possible to configure. Therefore, not only two-color display but also three-color or more color display can be performed as shown on the right side of FIG. For this reason, it becomes possible for the user to visually recognize characters and the like (for example, various display objects such as characters, figures, symbols, and numbers) having a larger contrast ratio than the background.

[0061] Since the electronic paper 100 does not require a backlight or the like unlike a liquid crystal display, the electronic paper 100 also has an advantage of saving energy and contributing to the environment. In addition, since it is sufficient to apply an electric field at least when switching the screen (when rewriting the screen), it is energy-saving and is an afterthought from the environmental point of view that there is no need to constantly apply an electric field.

[0062] In addition, at least one force of ions and molecules in the supramolecular material without utilizing the change from the stretched state to the folded state of the molecule or the rotation of the substituent of the molecule, etc. S trapped position ( Alternatively, the color is changed by changing the power of trapped or not, so the wavelength of the absorbed light is clearly changed according to the difference in the state. As a result, it is possible to provide electronic paper with excellent optical discrimination.

In the above-described embodiment, the force described using the heterodiotropic receptor as a specific example of the supramolecular material included in the supramolecular material layer 114 is not limited to this. Hereinafter, another specific example of the supramolecular material included in the supramolecular material layer 114 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIGS. 6 to 8 are chemical formulas showing other specific examples of the supramolecular material included in the supramolecular material layer 114, respectively, and FIG. 9 shows the molecular structure trapped by the supramolecular material shown in FIG. This is a mathematical formula conceptually showing an aspect.

A tricyclic macrocyclic compound as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) is another specific example of the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular material layer 114. FIG. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), this tricyclic macrocycle compound has a structural portion shown above the chemical formula in FIG. 6 (a) (ie, a cyclic structural portion composed of S—N—S—N). Can trap the ions 115a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), ions are present in the structural part shown in the lower side of the chemical formula in FIG. 6 (b) (ie, the cyclic structural part composed of 0-N—S—N). 115a can be trapped. Of course, although not shown, the ions 115a may not be trapped therein. By such a change in state, the light absorption coefficient of the tricyclic macrocycle compound changes, and it becomes possible to display predetermined characters and the like as described above.

Alternatively, another specific example of the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular material layer 114 is another tricyclic macrocyclic compound as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). Can be mentioned. As shown in Fig. 7 (a), the other tricyclic macrocycle compounds are composed of structural parts shown in the lower part of the chemical formula in Fig. 7 (a) (ie, N—O—O—N— The ions 115a can be trapped in the O—O cyclic structure). Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), it is possible not to trap the ions 115a therein. Such a change in state changes the light absorption coefficient of another tricyclic macrocycle compound, and as described above, it becomes possible to display predetermined characters and the like.

Alternatively, another specific example of the supramolecular material contained in the cyclodextrin force supramolecular material layer 114 as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b) is mentioned. For example, a-cyclodextrin in which 6 D-glucoses are assembled as shown in Fig. 8 (a) and 7 D-glucose are assembled in Fig. 8 (b). Material layer Other specific examples of supramolecules included in 114 are listed. In addition to this, for example, γ-cyclodextrin in which 8 D-glucose is aggregated or cyclodextrin in which a large number of D-dulcose is aggregated are other specific examples of the supramolecules contained in the supramolecular material layer 114. It is mentioned.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 9, this cyclodextrin can trap a predetermined molecule 115b in a part of its structural portion (that is, a portion corresponding to one D-glucose). This also changes the light absorption coefficient of cyclodextrin as in the above-described trapping of various supramolecular ions 115a, and can display predetermined characters and the like as described above.

[0068] Of course, not only specific examples of these supramolecular materials, but also supramolecular materials having a structure capable of trapping at least one of ions 115a and molecules 115b therein (for example, inclusion complex) And the like can be used as the supramolecular material used for the supramolecular material layer 114 of the electronic paper 100 according to this embodiment. For example, the strength of supramolecular material that has a part of the structure of crown ether, cryptand calixarene, etc. Can be used as the supramolecular material used for the supramolecular material layer 114 of the electronic paper 100 according to this example. As yet another specific example

[0069] (Production method)

Next, a method for manufacturing the electronic paper 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of the manufacturing method of the electronic paper 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a mode of joining the gold electrode layer 112 and the supramolecular material layer 114. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing an aspect of joining the 1-to-0 electrode layer 113 and the supramolecular material layer 114.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, an organic molecule having an anchor modification group (or a modified functional group or an organic functional group) is bonded onto the gold electrode layer 112 (or the ITO electrode layer 113). (Step S101). For example, the gold electrode layer 112 (that is, the gold electrode) may be immersed in an organic solution containing the anchor modifying group to bond the organic molecule having the anchor modifying group, or on the gold electrode layer 112. It has an anchor modification group using the spin coating method. Organic molecules may be joined.

[0071] Subsequently, a supramolecular material is bonded to the organic molecule having the anchor modification group bonded in step S101 (step S102). Again, the supramolecular material may be joined by immersing the gold electrode layer 112 bonded with organic molecules in a solution containing the supramolecular material, or on the gold electrode layer 112 bonded with organic molecules. In addition, the supramolecular material may be bonded using a spin coating method. In any case, the supramolecular material selectively bonds to the organic molecule having the anchor modifying group. That is, in this embodiment, the supramolecular material layer 114 is formed by bonding supramolecules using a self-organization technique.

[0072] Subsequently, an organic molecule having an anchor modification group (or a modified functional group! / An organic functional group) is joined to the supramolecular material (step S 103). The same method as 101 is used. Subsequently, the opposing gold electrode layer 116 is bonded (step S104). This is also the same as the bonding of the gold electrode layer 112 and the supramolecular material layer 114 in step S102 described above. Also, the plastic film layers 110 and 118 are further joined. Thereby, the electronic paper 100 according to the present embodiment is manufactured.

Here, the bonding of organic molecules having an anchor modification group or the like in step S 101 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11 (a), thiol is bonded to the gold electrode layer 112 as an anchor modification group. This thiol has a property of selectively adsorbing to gold. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the gold electrode layer 112 and the supramolecular material layer 114 can be suitably bonded with the thiol interposed therebetween. In summary, in this embodiment, the surface of the gold electrode layer 112 is modified with a ligand (here, thiol, which is an anchor modifying group), and the ligand is used to perform integration by surface complexation. The following ligand method is adopted. The same applies to the bonding of the gold electrode layer 116 and the supramolecular material layer 114 on the opposite side.

[0075] Of course, not limited to thiols, the gold electrode layers 112 and 116 and the supramolecular material layer 114 may be joined using various other materials as anchor modification groups. Not too long.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, for the ITO electrode layer 113, phosphine is used as an anchor modifying group. A rubidium metal complex having a phonic acid (H 3 PO 4) group in the side chain is used. The phosphonic acid group

twenty three

Instead of this, phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4) may be used. Phosphonic acid groups are selective to ITO electrodes

3 4

It has the property of adsorbing to the surface. Therefore, the ITO electrode layer 113 and the supramolecular material layer 114 can be suitably joined by joining the supramolecular material layer 114 subsequent to this rubidium metal complex or further via a phosphonic acid group. Is possible. In summary, in this embodiment, an anchor complex method in which a surface modification group (here, a phosphonic acid group) is added to the side chain of the complex to modify the surface is employed.

[0077] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the rubidium metal complex having a phosphonic acid group in the side chain, and the ITO electrode layer 113 and the supramolecular material layer 114 may be joined using various other materials as anchor modification groups. Anyway, it ’s ugly! /.

[0078] (Modification)

Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a modified example according to the storage device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing the basic configuration of the electronic paper 101 according to the modified example, and FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the basic configuration of the molecular memory 102 as a modified example of the storage device of the present invention. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, an electronic paper 101 according to a modification is similar to the electronic paper 100 described above, and includes a plastic film layer 110, a gold electrode layer 112, a supramolecular material layer 114, and a gold film. An electrode layer 116, a plastic film layer 118, and a display driving unit 120 are provided.

[0080] The electronic paper 101 according to the first modification particularly includes a liquid electrolyte layer (gel electrolyte) 121, an ion storage layer 122, a supramolecular material layer 114, and a gold electrode layer 116. Have in between.

[0081] The liquid electrolyte layer 121 contains, for example, lithium (Li-triflate in polymer) diffused in the polymer, and supplies lithium ions supplied from the ion storage layer 122 to the supramolecular material layer 114. It is configured to be possible.

[0082] The ion storage layer 122 is made of, for example, lithium cerate (Li CeO 2), titanium oxide (TiO 2), or the like.

2 2 is contained, and lithium ions are contained inside. The lithium ions can be supplied to the liquid electrolyte layer 121 in accordance with the electric field applied to the gold electrode layers 112 and 116. In the electronic paper 101 according to the modified example having such a configuration, the ions 115a trapped inside the supramolecular material included in the supramolecular material layer 114 are from outside the supramolecular material layer 114 (that is, , From the ion storage layer 122). Therefore, the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular material layer 114 has the advantage that it is not necessary to previously have ions 115a for trapping therein. Since the supramolecular material layer 114 can be formed without the use of the supramolecular material having ions 115a in advance, the range of selection of the supramolecular material contained in the supramolecular material layer 114 When it spreads, it has an advantage!

In the above-described embodiment and the first modification, the storage device of the present invention is an electronic paper.

The case where the present invention is applied to a memory display has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the molecular memory 102 may be used instead of the electronic paper.

[0085] More specifically, in accordance with the change in the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecules contained in the supramolecular material layer 114, there are two different states on the supramolecular material layer 114, a black portion and a white portion. Configure to exist. Of course, it is needless to say that other colors may be used instead of black and white. In short, two colors that are physically, chemically or optically distinguishable are sufficient. For example, if the black part is recorded with a bid “0” and the white part is recorded with a bid “1”, the supramolecular material layer 114 has “0” and “1”. In this way, the memory device of the present invention is used as the molecular memory 102.

[0086] In particular, since the light absorption coefficient in the range corresponding to the molecular size of the supramolecular material in the supramolecular material layer 114 can be changed, the recording density is relatively increased as compared with the existing memory. It becomes possible to make it.

[0087] It should be noted that the storage device of the present invention is not limited to electronic paper and molecular memory, but can be applied to other various devices and various elements.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims and the entire specification without departing from the gist or idea of the invention which can be read. A storage device is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Industrial applicability The storage device according to the present invention can be used for, for example, electronic paper, molecular memory, and the like. Further, it can be used for various devices or elements for consumer or business use.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a first electrode layer;

A second electrode layer disposed opposite to the first electrode layer;

A supramolecular layer including a supramolecular material having a light absorption coefficient change, and disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer;

A storage device comprising:

[2] The memory according to claim 1, wherein the light absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material changes when at least one of ions and molecules moves inside the supramolecular material. apparatus.

[3] The optical absorption coefficient of the supramolecular material according to claim 1, wherein at least one of ions and molecules moves between the supramolecular material and the outside of the supramolecular material. Storage device.

[4] The supramolecular material is characterized in that at least one of the ions and the molecules moves in accordance with an electric field applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. The storage device described in 1.

5. The storage device according to claim 2, further comprising a supply layer that supplies at least one of the ions and the molecules to the supramolecular material.

6. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein the supramolecular material has an inclusion structure for enclosing at least one of the ions and the molecules therein.

7. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the supramolecular material includes cyclodextrin.

[8] The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the supramolecular material includes a heterodiotropic receptor.

[9] At least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer includes gold,

2. The memory device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and the supramolecular layer are bonded by gold-cholesteric bonding.

[10] At least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer contains ITO (Indium Tin Oxide),

The at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and the supramolecular layer are bonded together with a metal complex containing phosphonic acid interposed therebetween. The storage device described in 1.

[11] The first electrode layer has a plurality of first signal lines extending in one direction, and the second electrode layer has a plurality of second signals extending in another direction different from the one direction. 2. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a signal line.

12. The memory according to claim 11, wherein the intersection of the first electrode and the second electrode has a size that is substantially the same as the size of a single molecule of the supramolecular material. apparatus.