Freezing microchips could lead to faster cell phones

Scientists from IBM Corp. and the Georgia Institute of Technology have created a silicon germanium microchip that operates at 500 GHz — more than three times faster than the technology in today's cell phones, reports The Journal News.

"The researchers demonstrated the chip in Georgia Tech's cryogenics lab. The chip was frozen to 451 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, just a few degrees short of absolute zero, the coldest temperature possible.

... The experiment set a new record. "It is by far and away the world's fastest silicon transistor," said Bernie Meyerson, vice president and chief technologist, IBM Systems and Technology Group, and the "father" of silicon germanium technology."

emily | 8:48 AM | Technology |
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