This invention provides a new procedure for attaching molecules to semiconductor
surfaces, in particular silicon. The molecules, which include, but are not limited
to porphyrins and ferrocenes, have been previously shown to be attractive candidates
for molecular-based information storage. The new attachment procedure is simple,
can be completed in short times, requires minimal amounts of material, is compatible
with diverse molecular functional groups, and in some instances affords unprecedented
attachment motifs. These features greatly enhance the integration of the molecular
materials into the processing steps that are needed to create hybrid molecular/semiconductor
information storage devices.