NEMO 3D is a quantum mechanical based simulation tool created to provide quantitative predictions for nanometer scaled semiconductor devices. We are presently working on a prototype of a 3-D quantum device simulator. Our agenda is to create a simulation tool that can be used for the analysis of the electronic structure of any crystalline semiconducting nanoelectronic structure. Our first target is the simulation of optical properties in quantum dots. Quantum Dots reach beyond the SIA Roadmap, and may have significant impacts on NASA future missions.

We are using the empirical tight binding method based on atomic orbitals to model the basic electronics in semiconductors. This method lends itself nicely to model the bandstructure of arbitrary crystal structures and atomic compositions found in semiconducting materials. Within these structures we can compute nanoscale quantum states that develop due to electronic confinement. Such confined states can be utilized for the optical sensors, memory and logic, as well as alternative computing concepts as quantum cellular automata. The electronic device concepts are typically based on tunneling or resonant tunneling effects.