Crystal discovery could pave the way for new generation of computer chips
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 2nd 2010 3:09AM
posted March 2nd 2010 3:09AM
The discovery is still literally in the building blocks stage, but a team of researchers from Florida State University say that four new so-called "multiferroic" crystals they've identified could eventually lead to a "new generation" of computer chips. Those new chips would apparently not only be able to expand the capacity of storage devices by 1,000 to a million times but, since data would be written both electrically and magnetically, they'd also be far more secure. As if that wasn't enough, the researchers also say any future chips would have "far less environmental impact" than current chips, as they wouldn't rely on lead as chips now do. Of course, the researchers are quick to point out that won't happen overnight, with Sir Harold Kroto saying that this discovery is "where the transistor was when it was first invented," and adding that "it's a long, hard road before we catch up."
hmmm Stargate-SG1 anyone?
Oh yeh! Sweet! SciFi predicting the future again.
@grindboy
Crazy as it might sound I'm starting to think there is a similarity between science-fiction and predicting the future....
@abedinthehouse
Or perhaps, our making of our thoughts physical and broadcasting them shifts the probable states toward one of our own making.
So... can these chips be used as storage devices or something? Like flash memory kinda thing?
@onlymyrailgun
Yea, its on the article
"be able to expand the capacity of storage devices by 1,000 to a million times"
I'll beleve it when I see it
New Year, new "change" to computer chips that never see the light of day.
Great looks like we are going more and more towards control crystals.
http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/stargate/images/thumb/3/32/Control_crystals.JPG/800px-Control_crystals.JPG
@knome
STARGATE!
@knome
Huh, Fortress of Solitude had this tech long before StarGate. They just stole a page from DC Comics, let the suing & couter-suing ensue!
Sounds good, except I'll be dead when it becomes commercially viable, or too senile to use the computer.
"Of course, the researchers are quick to point out that won't happen overnight, with Sir Harold Kroto saying that this discovery is "where the transistor was when it was first invented," and adding that "it's a long, hard road before we catch up."
So why are you here jibba jabberin'?? Get to work! I wanna see this in my computer YESTERDAY!!
@think before you react
they're probably waiting for the VCs to pump insane amounts of cash into it.... then get out of university and form their own company.... then go public and do stuff most startups do....
just a guess....
@mocax "then go public and do stuff most startups do...."
Like fail?
@mocax Not sure thats going to happen. A lot of universities have clauses that if the research started their with their facilities and funding they own it. Atleast that was the case for University of Florida and Gatorade http://www.snopes.com/food/origins/gatorade.asp
Doubt they would let this little nugget be licensed off cheapy if it turns out to have any viable commercial success down the road.
@Crash
Or get bought out by a bigger player, and then retire.
Yet another example that the Singularity is coming.
I can't wait.
This better be enough space to allow for quantum storage. Those teleporters aren't going to build themselves (although.....).
You guys forgot the most important thing about it.
We've got to fight, fight, fight for F.S.U.
We've got to scalp 'em Seminoles
We've got to win, win, win, win, win this game
And roll on down and make those goals
For F.S.U. is on the warpath now
And at the battles end she's great
So fight, fight, fight, fight for victory
The Seminoles of Florida State
F-L-O-R-I-D-A S-T-A-T-E
Florida State, Florida State, Florida State
@Jonace
I agree! I actually work in Dr. Dalal's lab (That's the guy on the left). But not on this project.
There's no lead used in silicon chips!
Lead can be used in the solder sometimes used for flip-chip bonding (a means of connecting the chip to its package), but that's got nothing to do with the chip technology itself. Even an alternative technology would probably use flip-chip bonding (with or without lead).
Prior to RHoS regulation (and similar in Japan), lead was used extensively to attach components to printed circuit boards, but outside the military world, that's largely been phased out. In any case, the hazard of lead in circuit boards is not from leakage in to landfills, but lead exposure in people who are recycling the electronics. It was the desire to recycle that led to the removal of Pb from electronics.
@Jon S Actually, there is a small amount of lead used in ferroelectric RAMs, but FeRAMs are hardly ever used. They represent an absolutely tiny fraction of global chip sales.
In either case, it's almost impossible for the the lead in FeRAMs to get out. It's buried deep within the device under layers of silicon dioxide (basically the hard stuff sand is made of) and metal.
Nah - this crystal memory stuff has already been done.... and there's crazy data loss. Check it out here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hteIZrXQqOE
@TractorNipples
dont be stupid
@abedinthehouse
Too late...
Is it just me, or is anyone else reminded of Kryptonian Crystal Storage technology?
@DrDoomReturns
yea tht 2
That guy is really tan. I imagine a bunch of grad students must have been doing all the real research. But they probably phoned him with the results.
Get back to work so I can have my sub $50 1 petabyte SSD.
Scotty, beam me up
http://microsoft.com
Wait, what does Alan Alda have to do with computer chips?