computing chip

Stanford researchers build a particle accelerator that fits on a chip

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On a hillside above Stanford University, the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory operates a scientific instrument nearly 2 miles long. In this giant accelerator, a stream of electrons flows through a vacuum pipe, as bursts of microwave radiation nudge the particles ever-faster forward until their velocity approaches the speed of light, creating a powerful beam that … Read more Stanford researchers build a particle accelerator that fits on a chip

Can we develop computer chips that run on light?

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Just beyond the horizon of practicality, researchers are trying to develop a new generation of chips that would control photons as reliably as today’s chips control electrons. But after years of effort they’re still grappling with a crucial step: identifying the best material to trap and tame light. Jelena Vuckovic has already devoted some 20 … Read more Can we develop computer chips that run on light?

3D imaging of computer chips for security, quality control and reverse engineering

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Any object, whether natural or not, has essential features that can range anywhere between millimeters to nanometers. For example, if we want to study a computer chip, we need to get a 3D view of its overall structure as well as its integrated circuits – and we need to do that without destroying it. However, … Read more 3D imaging of computer chips for security, quality control and reverse engineering

Light and sound in silicon chips: The slower the better

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Integrated circuits in silicon enable our digital era. The capabilities of electronic circuits have been extended even further with the introduction of photonics: components for the generation, guiding and detection of light. Together, electronics and photonics support entire systems for data communication and processing, all on a chip. However, there are certain things that even … Read more Light and sound in silicon chips: The slower the better

Researchers take a step towards light-based, brain-like computing chip

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A technology that functions like a brain? In these times of artificial intelligence, this no longer seems so far-fetched – for example, when a mobile phone can recognise faces or languages. With more complex applications, however, computers still quickly come up against their own limitations. One of the reasons for this is that a computer … Read more Researchers take a step towards light-based, brain-like computing chip