Atomic "transistor" proposed using quantum cloud material {Engadget}

Feb 1st 2007 11:06AM The article connected two things that, actually, aren't linked at all. Consequently, the predictions and discussions are incorrect.

Manipulating atoms (plural, that is to say there are many in a BEC) with the BEC is an interesting thing. What was proposed by the scientists is an atomic transistor or a way of moving atoms around in a controlled fashion analogous to the way transistors can control the motion of electrons. With an atomic transistor and collections of BEC atoms, one might make "atomic circuits". That would be enable atoms to be moved around in a controlled fashion.

"Atomic-scale" circuits refer to electronic circuits that have size comparable to the size of individual atoms. Electrons move around, from single atom to single atom, in an atomic-scale circuit. If atomic-scale circuits can overcome their technical hurdles, then Moore's Law can be kept alive.