Since the dawn of computers, science and technology advanced with never before seen speed. Our ability to process larger and larger quantities of information in less and less time gave us a chance to create astounding technology. Many experts now posit the question: What is the future of computer technology?
Microprocessors are getting smaller, and computers are getting faster. Engineers are finding ways to pack more and more computing power onto microscopic computer chips. However, the time of the traditional silicon transistors and chips may have come to an end. Transistors are now so small that they cannot reliably adhere to laws of physics – quantum effects are coming into the play. That is why scientists around the world work on new ways to process and store information.
Graphene-based microchips
Graphene is a carbon isotope, a single molecule which can be manipulated in many ways. You can create tiny nanotubes or combine it with other materials. Most importantly, this happens in so little space, much less when compared with silicon transistors. Graphene processors will probably keep the Moore microprocessor law a few years more.
Quantum computers
We all understand that traditional computers work by assigning zeros or ones to each bit. So, it is either a one or a zero. Quantum computers, on the other hand, are a bit more complex. In the quantum bit (or Qubit) country, a bit can be a one, a zero, both at once, a point somewhere in between, or all of these at the same time. It sounds complicated, and it is, trust us. But this technology will allow computers to tackle the most difficult computing challenges like testing aircraft systems, predicting the weather or analyzing genetic data. And all of this at many times the speed of today’s computers.
DNA information storage
DNA seems like a simple, double helix chain and elegant, elongated structure. But the most interesting feature of DNA which computer engineers love is the fact that it can store loads of information. This simple molecule is the hard disk of the future. To put it in perspective: a teaspoon of DNA can hold all the information mankind generated, from cave men to iPhones. The future of big data lies in synthetic DNA, and major computer companies work to secure their long-term storage using this revolutionary technology. Initial tests show promise, but it is still a long way to go before we can harness the DNA for storage capacities.
