The sudden surge of data to servers and computers represent the emergence of smart devices, Artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). Since traditional computers can no longer process efficiently the millions of data that tend to feed its system every day, science and technology have found a way to do it. The discovery of TMDCs or Transition metal dichalcogenides helps in developing computer systems that are capable of running and storing information a million times faster, safer, and convenient. It is due to its optical properties that enable the computer to function at its peak while managing its energy consumption efficiently.
The Functioning Computer System
According to the Georgia State University research team, the use of transition metal dichalcogenides for the basis of computer construction improves the operation of the computer up to femtosecond (a one quadrillionth time scale). Since traditional computers can only operate at a time scale of a fraction of nanosecond, TMDC gives the system at ten times speed and accuracy. With the help of this technology, the computer memory capability also increases up to a million fold.
The transition metal dichalcogenides physical structure has a hexagonal lattice (a motif for 2D representation). It is made up of combined panels of transition metal atoms in between two chalcogen atoms. The physical structure of TMDCs enables the computer processor to function faster and store information efficiently.
Dr. Mark Stockman, the director of the center for Nano optics and the lead author of the research, stated that the only thing faster than the component is light. The Physics and Astronomy professor added that instead of focusing on computer electronics alone, the integration of optics technology into the system should become the basis for an upgrade. That’s because the current electronics used in conventional computers already reached its limits and can’t go faster any longer. However, the only solution to answer the speed problem is to add more processors that can both increase the cost of operation and maintenance at the same time. That is why Stockman and his team are pushing forward the use of TMDCs to allow computer function a million times faster, even if it’s a different approach to the field of information technology.
Under Development
Regardless of its stand as of the moment, the concept of TMDCs is still a theory and under development. Researchers from Georgia State propose that TMDC’s potential to process millions of data is only possible for a couple of femtoseconds and might shut down after reaching its peak. Though there are things that need to get done, the organized approach to computer systems computing mechanism somehow shows possible great results.
Not only does TMDCs possess superior functionalities than its electronics counterparts, but it is also mechanically strong, stable, non-toxic and light. The optical properties of TMDCs allow it to function at an ultrafast level. To give a graphic representation of how the TMDCs function, picture the hexagonal lattice structure of the transition metal dichalcogenides and imagine the electrons rotate in a circular path in varying states. This movement results to a new effect called topological resonance that allows the TMDCs to function at femtoseconds.
With the discovery of the superior qualities of TMDCs, the researchers from Georgia State envision a future where computers can work efficiently at an ultrafast rate without ever consuming a lot of power in the process. The development of high-quality electronic material promises a better computer system. Therefore, the future of computing is positively heading to the optics technology.
Electronics can only do so much, and its efficiency is minimal, but optics provides a lot of upsides for the computing technology.