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Light-Emitting Particles Yield Faster Computing

schliz writes to tell us that researchers at the University of California San Diego are developing new transistors based on particles called 'excitons' in an attempt to speed up the interaction between computing and communications signals. "Excitons are formed by linking a negatively-charged electron with a positively-charged 'hole'. An exciton decays when the electron and hole combine, emitting a flash of light in the process. By joining exciton-based transistors to form several types of switches, the UCSD physicists were able to achieve switching times on the order of 200 picoseconds."

8 of 65 comments (clear)

  1. Bright idea by suck_burners_rice · · Score: 3, Funny

    Excitons...hmmm, what a bright idea!

    --
    McCain/Palin '08. Now THAT's hope and change!
  2. I take it by the name..... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    We're talking about a faster porn delivery system. This quote kind of says it all,

    ""Excitons are formed by linking a negatively-charged electron with a positively-charged 'hole'."

  3. Re:Totally different by Bandman · · Score: 4, Funny

    What a dopey idea ;-)

  4. Re:FYI: An exiton is just an imaginary particle. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    200ps?

    sounds like about how long most of you geeks last when you finally get to put your exciton in a hole

  5. Re:FYI: An exiton is just an imaginary particle. by StarReaver · · Score: 1, Funny

    So...Adding more LEDs to a computer make it faster?

  6. Re:FYI: An exiton is just an imaginary particle. by Exiton · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's true, I'm not really here.

  7. Re:Totally different by CCFreak2K · · Score: 2, Funny

    How long did it take you to fabricate that pun?

    --
    "Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master."
  8. Re:FYI: An exiton is just an imaginary particle. by FeepingCreature · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well, not just any LEDs.
    Red ones.