A Computer Chip the Size of a Molecule

The governments of Singapore and the European Union are trying to develop a computer chip the size of a single molecule. From Singapore's press release on the subject:

A*STAR’s IMRE and 10 EU research organisations are working together to build what is essentially a single molecule processor chip. As a comparison, a thousand of such molecular chips could fit into one of today’s microchips, the core device that determines computational speed. The ambitious project, termed Atomic Scale and Single Molecule Logic Gate Technologies (ATMOL), will establish a new process for making a complete molecular chip. This means that computing power can be increased significantly but take up only a small fraction of the space that is required by today’s standards.

The fabrication process involves the use of three unique ultra high vacuum (UHV) atomic scale interconnection machines which build the chip atom-by-atom. These machines physically move atoms into place one at a time at cryogenic temperatures. One of these machines is located in A*STAR’s IMRE.


http://www.a-star.edu.sg/?TabId=828&articleType=ArticleView&articleId=1393 via Glenn Reynolds | Photo (unrelated) via Flickr user Fabrizio Sclami used under Creative Commons license

Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"A Computer Chip the Size of a Molecule"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More