How far away is a breakthrough in nanotechnology or an alternative to the silicon chip?
Breakthroughs in nanotechnology are constantly being announced. One of the most exciting areas currently is carbon nanotube research. A nanotube is a hollow graphite cylinder with a diameter of only a few nanometres. They are 10 times as strong as carbon fibres, incredibly light, and have interesting chemical and electrical properties. Progress has been made in using these nanotubes to form parts of electrical circuits. Chip manufacturers are also looking into ways of extending the life of silicon. There is a theoretical brick wall, a limit to the smallest size a workable silicon transistor can shrink. Currently experts predict we will hit this wall in about 15 years time (although predictions of the death of silicon in the past have been proven wrong). To continue the exponential trend set by Moores Law, manufacturers may start to build chips in three dimensions, or replace silicon dioxide with other materials. There is a great deal of research looking into entirely new ways of buildi
