Question Terahertz processors on their way?

[GunsMadeAmericaFree]

going from GigaHertz to TeraHertz

3 paragraphs down, it mentions that this technology could let us advance to TeraHertz processors - first mention I've seen of this speed anywhere....

 

[Doug S]

going from GigaHertz to TeraHertz

3 paragraphs down, it mentions that this technology could let us advance to TeraHertz processors - first mention I've seen of this speed anywhere....

Even if it was what the article's title claims this discovery would be at about the state the transistor was when it was discovered in 1947. Based on that timeline if this did in fact deliver terahertz computers you could expect them to be available to consumers in about 30 years.

 

[soresu]

going from GigaHertz to TeraHertz

3 paragraphs down, it mentions that this technology could let us advance to TeraHertz processors - first mention I've seen of this speed anywhere....

Thz switching semiconductors and spintronic devices have been in research labs for many years if you don't wait around for sensationalist articles to talk about it.

 

[DavidC1]

going from GigaHertz to TeraHertz

3 paragraphs down, it mentions that this technology could let us advance to TeraHertz processors - first mention I've seen of this speed anywhere....

The first time I saw it was in early 2000's with Intel's Terahertz transistor, which came out to be a basis for their 22nm "TriGate".

There's a huge difference on what one transistor can do versus billions connected together doing real things.

 

[GunsMadeAmericaFree]

Even if it was what the article's title claims this discovery would be at about the state the transistor was when it was discovered in 1947. Based on that timeline if this did in fact deliver terahertz computers you could expect them to be available to consumers in about 30 years.

The transistor was invented in December of 1947. By early 1953, just 5 years later, it was already being used in hearing aids that were being sold. Granted, there were continual advances over time, especially in the switch from germanium to silicon.

 

[dullard]

The transistor was invented in December of 1947. By early 1953, just 5 years later, it was already being used in hearing aids that were being sold. Granted, there were continual advances over time, especially in the switch from germanium to silicon.

The thing is the transistor actually functioned in 1947 -- terahertz processors do not function now. All they have is a material that is semi-stable at -81°F. This material isn't even in a functional transistor yet. We are a long, long way from even getting this concept into a single functional chip. Let alone mass production of chips which now have a multi-year validation and production ramp up.

My biggest thoughts with this are:

1) With electricity flowing 1000 times faster filling and draining the material, where are we getting that power and how are we dissipating that heat? Especially given that the material has to be exposed to laser light, so a heat sink won't function.

2) Are we really going to be using computers colder than -81°F for any purpose outside of specialized labs?