Nanocomputers and Swarm Intelligence [Hardcover]

For the last 50 years, the power of integrated circuits has continued to grow. However, this performance will end up reaching its physical limit. What new ways will then be available to develop even more powerful and up-to-date systems? This book introduces the principles of quantic computing, the use of nano-tubes in molecular transistors and ADN computing. It suggests new fabrication methods for the 21st century and introduces new architecture models, ranging from the most conventional to the most radical. Using a chronological theme, it explains our unavoidable entry in the nano-device world: from the 1948 transistor to the microchip. It concludes by anticipating the changes in daily living: investments, impact on coding activities, nanocomputing systems implementation and IT job mutation.

Foreword ix
Didier TRUTT

Preface xiii

Acknowledgements xix

Introduction xxi

Chapter 1. Revolution or Continuity? 1

1.1. Ubiquity and pervasion 1

1.2. From the art of building small – perspectives of nanoproduction 4

Chapter 2. The Rise and Anticipated Decline of the Silicon Economy 7

2.1. 40 years of global growth 7

2.2. From sand to the chip, the epic of semi-conductors 9

2.2.1. Semi-conductors – some solid-state physics 10

2.2.2. CMOS technology and high-density integrated circuits 14

2.2.3. Half a century of industrial methods and processes 16

2.3. The fatality of Moore’s Law: “the wall” 22

2.3.1. The disaggregation of the microelectronics industry value chain 26

2.3.2. The ITRS (International Rol“j