how quantum tunneling extinguished Moore's law
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Pictured Above: A modern computer processor as viewed through an electron microscope
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BY BEN WOODWARD
SCIENCE&TECH EDITOR
Abiding by a model created by America engineer Gordon Moore mid 20th century, computer processing power has grown exponentially faster and more affordable for the past 55 years. More specifically this model, Moore’s Law, states that the number of transistors on a microchip will double every two years, and – for the most part – it has remained accurate, however, a recent complication has interrupted this trend: quantum tunneling. Modern transistors measure 5 nanometers across, and although computer engineers have the objective technology necessary to design even smaller chips, past this point, the fundamental laws of physics are begin to break down. Where typical transistor would act as an electrical-equivalent of a dam, either allowing or preventing the flow of electricity, these ultra-micro transistors are not significant enough to maintain the same control as electrons jump from one transistor to another, even passing through it altogether. Agustin Schriffin, a professor from Monash University, and editor of The Conversation, elaborates on the effects of this phenomena:
SCIENCE&TECH EDITOR
Abiding by a model created by America engineer Gordon Moore mid 20th century, computer processing power has grown exponentially faster and more affordable for the past 55 years. More specifically this model, Moore’s Law, states that the number of transistors on a microchip will double every two years, and – for the most part – it has remained accurate, however, a recent complication has interrupted this trend: quantum tunneling. Modern transistors measure 5 nanometers across, and although computer engineers have the objective technology necessary to design even smaller chips, past this point, the fundamental laws of physics are begin to break down. Where typical transistor would act as an electrical-equivalent of a dam, either allowing or preventing the flow of electricity, these ultra-micro transistors are not significant enough to maintain the same control as electrons jump from one transistor to another, even passing through it altogether. Agustin Schriffin, a professor from Monash University, and editor of The Conversation, elaborates on the effects of this phenomena:
“when an electron is removed or added at the boundary of [a transistor] the created charge is screened a lot less efficiently. Think of a crowded party where suddenly someone leaves the centre of the room, creating an empty space. The people dancing around will gradually occupy this spot a lot quicker than if the person had left the edge of the room.”
This sudden change in charge can be devastating to the functionality of a computer chip and, as described by the MIT Technology Review, “For years the chip industry managed to evade these physical roadblocks. . . But progress grew ever more expensive. Economists at Stanford and MIT have calculated that the research effort going into upholding Moore’s Law has risen by a factor of 18 since 1971.” The continuation of this trend of micronization is clearly becoming less feasible, both physically and fiscally, and unrest surrounding the future progress of technology has justifiably followed.
As research into quantum computing, the most foreseeable solution to this issue, ages out of its infantile stage, microchip manufacturer are taking advantage of this waiting period to optimize current chips, looking into non-traditional methods of transistor organization which could improve speeds in communication, information and electronic technologies. Although transistors are at their physical limits, the death of Moore’s Law will certainly pressure humankind into the age of quantum computing, and with it a level of technology which even we do not know the limits of.
https://theconversation.com/electronics-are-getting-small-and-that-is-causing-big-problems-48683
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/end-moores-law-end-of-computers/
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/02/24/905789/were-not-prepared-for-the-end-of-moores-law/
As research into quantum computing, the most foreseeable solution to this issue, ages out of its infantile stage, microchip manufacturer are taking advantage of this waiting period to optimize current chips, looking into non-traditional methods of transistor organization which could improve speeds in communication, information and electronic technologies. Although transistors are at their physical limits, the death of Moore’s Law will certainly pressure humankind into the age of quantum computing, and with it a level of technology which even we do not know the limits of.
https://theconversation.com/electronics-are-getting-small-and-that-is-causing-big-problems-48683
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/end-moores-law-end-of-computers/
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/02/24/905789/were-not-prepared-for-the-end-of-moores-law/
FEELING THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD IN A COZY WAY
BY AFTON WALKER
STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
Having a hard time sleeping? Is your sleep schedule messed up because of a constantly changing day? Recent studies have shown that weighted blankets are proven effective and safe in treating insomnia.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently stated that, “Participants using the weighted blanket for four weeks reported significantly reduced insomnia severity, better sleep maintenance, a higher daytime activity level, and reduced symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety.”
There have been many positive reviews on weighted blankets and customers are urging friends to go and buy their own. “I was surprised by the large effect size on insomnia by the weighted blanket and pleased by the reduction of levels of both anxiety and depression,” said Adler.
When it comes to other forms of treatment, like medication and varieties of therapy procedures, it can get expensive and timely. The weighted blanket is an option that has proven to be effective across a diverse range of people and requires no timely manner or rotations.
These “on the rise” objects will help prevent stress and create a calm environment for sleeping. Weighted blankets can cost anywhere from $50-$300.
More and more psychiatrists are recommending these blankets, and I definitely recommend looking into them as a solution to your sleeping problems.
https://scitechdaily.com/scientific-study-shows-weighted-blankets-are-safe-and-effective-treatment-of-insomnia/
POSTED 10/5/20
STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
Having a hard time sleeping? Is your sleep schedule messed up because of a constantly changing day? Recent studies have shown that weighted blankets are proven effective and safe in treating insomnia.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently stated that, “Participants using the weighted blanket for four weeks reported significantly reduced insomnia severity, better sleep maintenance, a higher daytime activity level, and reduced symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety.”
There have been many positive reviews on weighted blankets and customers are urging friends to go and buy their own. “I was surprised by the large effect size on insomnia by the weighted blanket and pleased by the reduction of levels of both anxiety and depression,” said Adler.
When it comes to other forms of treatment, like medication and varieties of therapy procedures, it can get expensive and timely. The weighted blanket is an option that has proven to be effective across a diverse range of people and requires no timely manner or rotations.
These “on the rise” objects will help prevent stress and create a calm environment for sleeping. Weighted blankets can cost anywhere from $50-$300.
More and more psychiatrists are recommending these blankets, and I definitely recommend looking into them as a solution to your sleeping problems.
https://scitechdaily.com/scientific-study-shows-weighted-blankets-are-safe-and-effective-treatment-of-insomnia/
POSTED 10/5/20
a faster-than-light solution to einstein's field theory
september 24th, 2020
BY BEN WOODWARD
SCIENCE&TECH EDITOR
670,616,629 miles per hour. For generations, this speed has been taught in physics classes across the world as the “speed limit” of the universe. More specifically, this speed is that of a proton traveling through a vacuum and has been unanimously agreed upon by the scientific community that no unit of mass can exceed it – until now.
NASA scientists have recently revisited a solution to Einstein’s Field Theory: The Alcubierre Warp Drive. In theory, this warp drive would stretch the fabric of space-time in a way to allow faster-than-light travel to take place, albeit not in a conventional sense.
The primary problem, as speculated by Miguel Alcubierre, the device’s inventor, was that the required energy to run it would exceed the total energy in the universe, however, upon further investigation by NASA, this number appears to be several magnitudes lower than Alcubierre originally believed. In a NASA paper titled “Warp Field Mechanics 101”
Dr. Harold Sonny White further describes the work his team has taken in NASA’s Advanced Propulsion Physics Laboratory:
SCIENCE&TECH EDITOR
670,616,629 miles per hour. For generations, this speed has been taught in physics classes across the world as the “speed limit” of the universe. More specifically, this speed is that of a proton traveling through a vacuum and has been unanimously agreed upon by the scientific community that no unit of mass can exceed it – until now.
NASA scientists have recently revisited a solution to Einstein’s Field Theory: The Alcubierre Warp Drive. In theory, this warp drive would stretch the fabric of space-time in a way to allow faster-than-light travel to take place, albeit not in a conventional sense.
The primary problem, as speculated by Miguel Alcubierre, the device’s inventor, was that the required energy to run it would exceed the total energy in the universe, however, upon further investigation by NASA, this number appears to be several magnitudes lower than Alcubierre originally believed. In a NASA paper titled “Warp Field Mechanics 101”
Dr. Harold Sonny White further describes the work his team has taken in NASA’s Advanced Propulsion Physics Laboratory:
"We've initiated an interferometer test bed in this lab, where we're going to go through and try and generate a microscopic instance of a little warp bubble. And although this is just a microscopic instance of the phenomena, we're perturbing space-time, one part in 10 million, a very tiny amount. . . The math would allow you to go to Alpha Centauri in two weeks as measured by clocks here on Earth. So somebody's clock onboard the spacecraft has the same rate of time as somebody in mission control here in Houston might have. There are no tidal forces, no undue issues, and the proper acceleration is zero. When you turn the field on, everybody doesn't go slamming against the bulkhead, (which) would be a very short and sad trip."
Although promising this does not necessarily mean that faster-than-light travel is within the foreseeable future quite yet.
A recent analysis from the University of Sydney identifies has shed light on one possible – yet extremely deadly – drawback of using such a method of space travel. As the Warp Drive would travel through space, high-energy particles caught in the path of the ship would concentrate at the front of it, which upon arrival, would be shot out of the front in a cone-like formation.
With no laws of relativity preventing it, the amount of energy that could be gathered by the spaceship is limitless – a long trip could annihilate entire solar systems.
Along with other challenges, such as the exotic material and technology that would be needed to bend space-time, there is still quite a lot of scientific progress to be made before this is a viable mode of transportation.
Even with our current exponential growth in scientific advancements, when this technology will become available, and further undiscovered repercussions of such a warp drive remain unclear.
Ryan Whitwam on November 16, 2012 at 11:06 am Comment. “The Downside of Warp Drives: Annihilating Whole Star Systems When You Arrive.” ExtremeTech, 16 Nov. 2012, www.extremetech.com/extreme/140635-the-downside-of-warp-drives-annihilating-whole-star-systems-when-you-arrive.
Williams, Matt. “What Is the Alcubierre ‘Warp’ Drive?” Phys.org, Phys.org, 20 Jan. 2017, phys.org/news/2017-01-alcubierre-warp.html.
A recent analysis from the University of Sydney identifies has shed light on one possible – yet extremely deadly – drawback of using such a method of space travel. As the Warp Drive would travel through space, high-energy particles caught in the path of the ship would concentrate at the front of it, which upon arrival, would be shot out of the front in a cone-like formation.
With no laws of relativity preventing it, the amount of energy that could be gathered by the spaceship is limitless – a long trip could annihilate entire solar systems.
Along with other challenges, such as the exotic material and technology that would be needed to bend space-time, there is still quite a lot of scientific progress to be made before this is a viable mode of transportation.
Even with our current exponential growth in scientific advancements, when this technology will become available, and further undiscovered repercussions of such a warp drive remain unclear.
Ryan Whitwam on November 16, 2012 at 11:06 am Comment. “The Downside of Warp Drives: Annihilating Whole Star Systems When You Arrive.” ExtremeTech, 16 Nov. 2012, www.extremetech.com/extreme/140635-the-downside-of-warp-drives-annihilating-whole-star-systems-when-you-arrive.
Williams, Matt. “What Is the Alcubierre ‘Warp’ Drive?” Phys.org, Phys.org, 20 Jan. 2017, phys.org/news/2017-01-alcubierre-warp.html.