Introducing the First Computer Made Completely of Transistors Made of Carbon Nanotubes. Among the many interesting materials researchers are studying, such as the quantum particles in every atom or the DNA in every cell, there are also flawless cylinders of highly purified carbon known as carbon nanotubes.
Although primitive, the invention proved that transistors made using these unusual carbon fibers are the strongest materials ever discovered, and can be used in computers for general purpose use. According to the information given by scientists, this computer, which has a simple operating system, can calculate and switch between different processes running at the same time.
"It's literally a computer," said Max Shulaker, an electrical engineer at Stanford University who oversaw the device's construction. "This shows that you can make useful circuits made of carbon nanotubes and they can be fabricated without errors," Shulaker said. he said.
The research was published in the journal Nature.
"They have domesticated nanotubes," said Franz Kreupl of the Technical University of Munich, who was not involved in the project.
Mihail Roco, senior consultant from the National Science Foundation, who helped fund the study, described nanotube computers as an "important scientific step" and stated that if completed, it would enable computers to run faster with smaller components, using one-tenth less energy than currently. .
Researchers are very hopeful about the digital potential of carbon nanotubes, which offer extraordinary properties in absorbing and emitting light, as well as conducting electricity and heat. These tubes consist of only one-atom-thick layers of carbon wound together to form tubes that are about 10 times thinner than a human hair.
The first nanotube transistor, a version of the on-off switch found in almost every electronic device, was discovered in 1998. But until recently, researchers thought it was nearly impossible to manufacture these tubes in multiples, which must have perfect alignment, order, and purity to be used in complex computer microchips.
The formation of nanotubes is similar to the formation of crystals. They align randomly like Mikado sticks fall to the ground, which causes the tubes to form transverse, that is, undesirable rows. About 30 percent form unpredictable irregular structures called metallic impurities. Each defect can cause a short circuit. For perfect heat and electricity conduction, the tubes must be lined up perfectly side by side.
“You could never produce that,” said Subhasish Mitra, an electrical engineer at Stanford University who was involved in the project. The researchers designed a custom circuit and created a powerful debugging technique to avoid impurities.
Source : t24
Günceleme: 29/09/2013 14:24
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