Particle localization by geometrical nanostructures allows for the fabrication of artificial atoms and molecules suitable for use as building blocks for molecular electronic devices. Artificial lattices made from the artificial atoms and molecules can be used to create artificial networks or arrays. These can be formed by depositing strips of homogeneous semiconductor material on an insulator substrate and etching away unwanted material to form specific lattice shapes, such as by using photolithographic methods or other techniques. The artificial atoms and molecules can be used to form field effect transistors, power and signal amplifiers, artificial electrical conductors, and artificial two-dimensional electronic superconductors. The artificial molecules of the invention can also be employed in constant magnetic fields and probed by electromagnetic fields to produce magnetic memory elements.