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From Nick Jaffe's FB:
"So, this here is a demonstration prototype built with a design and technology from the National Institute for Nanotechnology in Alberta Canada and constructed by Dr. Scientist to demonstrate how molecular junctions that use quantum tunneling can be used in place of conventional diodes. They have great clipping characteristics and more importantly can be tuned very precisely. We're on the cusp of whole new era in electronics, comparable to the shift from tubes to solid state devices so...why not put some of that in a dirtbox!!! Just as we transitioned from a primarily tube-based electronics to solid state devices in the early 60's we're on the cusp of another leap--nano-scale components built one molecule at time that use quantum characteristics of atoms to achieve their electrical functions, in this case acting in place of conventional diodes. Not only can these components be much smaller but they can be precisely tuned. That can mean all sorts of things for various applications, but for us music gear heads it means that things like clipping characteristics can be very precisely built-into a molecular junction in ways that are not possible with conventional semiconductors. This particular box has three types of overdrive circuits: Op Amp, NPN transistor and JFET-based. You can switch in two different types of molecular junctions, or for comparison switch in conventional diodes (or no diodes). The pedal sounds great at all settings, but there are some very definite and audible musical differences with the molecular junctions which suggest really great possibilities for future use in production pedals. I had the great pleasure and privilege of playing this thing tonight for a live radio performance with Downrange Telemetrics on KFAI here in the Twin Cities--the first live musical performance using molecular electronics ever!"
