IBM working on DNA circuits
As the silicon-based computer chip begins to approach some theoretical limits on its miniaturization and computing speed, other ways of constructing computer components are being investigated. Some approaches use the same kind of architecture but different semiconductor material such as germanium. More intriguing are the biological approaches that I have mentioned before.
Most reported research in the area has been in academic circles but now it seems that a real industrial heavyweight is involved with the biological approach. PC World notes that IBM is building computer chips with a process involving DNA:
Scientists at IBM are experimenting with using DNA molecules as a way to create tiny circuits that could form the basis of smaller, more powerful computer chips.
The company is researching ways in which DNA can arrange itself into patterns on the surface of a chip, and then act as a kind of scaffolding on to which millions of tiny carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles are deposited. That network of nanotubes and nanoparticles could act as the wires and transistors on future computer chips, the IBM scientists said.
This approach is different from previous research where DNA molecules were themselves part of the circuit. In this work, the DNA is being used as a kind of scaffold. More can be read about the process at BBC News.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.