Toward faster transistors: New physical phenomenon could lead to increases in computers' clock speed
Friday, May 13, 2011 - 05:00
in Physics & Chemistry
In the 1980s and 90s, competition in the computer industry was all about "clock speed" how many megahertz, and ultimately gigahertz, a chip could boast. But clock speeds stalled out almost 10 years ago: Chips that run faster also run hotter, and with existing technology, there seems to be no way to increase clock speed without causing chips to overheat.