University of Arizona scientists reveal a breakthrough in petahertz-speed transistors

Arizona researchers unveiled a game-changing quantum transistor operating at petahertz speeds.

: Researchers at the University of Arizona have made a significant advancement in computing technology by developing a quantum transistor capable of operating at petahertz speeds. This new transistor technology utilizes ultrafast light pulses to control electron movements in graphene, which is a material just one atom thick. The research demonstrated real-time electron tunneling through graphene using laser pulses lasting less than a trillionth of a second, setting the stage for computing speeds far surpassing today's processors by over a thousandfold. The breakthrough was recently detailed in Nature Communications and could revolutionize processing speed, offering substantial benefits across various fields like AI, space exploration, and healthcare.

The University of Arizona has taken a monumental step forward in computing by developing a quantum transistor that operates at petahertz speeds, potentially paving the way for computers millions of times faster than current technology. Researchers led by physicist Mohammed Hassan used ultra-fast laser pulses to manipulate the movement of electrons in graphene, a one-atom-thick material. The device leverages a phenomenon known as quantum tunneling—where electrons move through barriers instantaneously, which until now was a largely theoretical concept in real-time scenarios. Hassan and his team’s findings were published in Nature Communications, marking a significant milestone in the practical application of quantum physics theories.

The heart of the discovery lies in the ability to control electron flow using light, marking a departure from the current electrical approach. By utilizing laser pulses lasting less than a trillionth of a second, they achieved a processing speed over a thousand times faster than the most advanced chips used today. This development could lead to a computing landscape where innovations are dictated by light speed rather than electrical speed, broadening the horizons for fields ranging from artificial intelligence to healthcare by offering dramatic improvements in data processing and operational efficiencies.

Mohammed Hassan noted that the team initially focused on how graphene conducts electricity when subjected to laser light. The symmetrical structure of this material typically negates any net current. However, by modifying graphene samples and observing a single electron tunneling effect, the researchers were able to 'capture' this fleeting and fantastic phenomenon in real-time, which was unexpected and triggered further investigations that led to the creation of this quantum transistor operating at what Hassan calls 'the world's fastest petahertz quantum transistor.'

Hassan's collaboration included international partners including those from the California Institute of Technology's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, highlighting the wide-reaching interest and potential applications of this technology. The ultimate goal is to adapt the technology for commercial use, enabling its incorporation into future generations of electronics without the need for highly controlled lab environments, thus accelerating its transition from research to practical applications.

Working with Tech Launch Arizona, Hassan and his collaborators are in the process of patenting this technology and aim to develop iterations of the transistor that are compatible with standard, commercially available lasers. Such advancements are expected to significantly reduce industry barriers to adoption, positioning this breakthrough to redefine the technology market and computational capabilities.

Sources: TechSpot, Nature Communications, University of Arizona

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