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Light-Producing Nanotubes Could Mean Faster Chips

Posted by timothy on from the making-light-of-carbon dept.

CannibalBob writes "From PCWorld: Researchers at IBM have used carbon molecules to emit light, a breakthrough that could replace silicon as the foundation of chips and lead to faster computers and telecommunication equipment. This is the first time light has ever been generated from a molecule by applying electricity. Read the article."

6 of 181 comments (clear)

  1. First Time... by c_oflynn · · Score: 5, Funny

    This is the first time light has ever been generated from a molecule by applying electricity

    I always assumed with enough power ANYTHING could emit light.. if only for a brief time

  2. This is cool, but... by KCardoza · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wouldn't ignorant jackholes who read too many bad sci-fi novels like Bill Joy worry about these "Nanotubes" going haywire and turning the planet to gray goo? Or would Apple sue them into oblivion for using "Carbon" in a computer without their express permission?

    --
    Despite millions of years of evolution, human beings, taken as a group, are still stupid, panicky animals.
  3. You obviously don't do much grillin' by bearl · · Score: 5, Funny

    >This is the first time light has ever been generated from a molecule by applying electricity.

    Heck, if you put too much lighter fuel on the charcoal and apply your electric grill lighter while standing too close you'll see PLENTY of light from those charcoal molecules!

  4. What can't they do? by AlabamaMike · · Score: 5, Funny
    Self assembly, high tensile strength, readily available (at least for Carbon), and now light emitting! What is is that carbon nanotubes can't do? It seems everyday there's a new application for these things. I'm ready for the guys @ Highlift to buckle down and just get the space elevator done. Maybe while their at it, they could use the nanotube cable as some type of large transmission line for the Interplanetary Internet!

    -A.M.

    --
    Pimpin' all the Karma Hoes!
    1. Re:What can't they do? by Guppy06 · · Score: 5, Funny

      "What is is that carbon nanotubes can't do?"

      Be cheap.

  5. Lemme think by TrekkieGod · · Score: 5, Funny
    Does EVERYTHING need to give us faster computers?

    Yes.

    --

    Warning: Opinions known to be heavily biased.