Future impact of solid-state technology on computers

Several emerging technologies that promise the highest speeds or lowest power of operation or some combination in between are discussed. The three approaches taken to increase the transistor´s speed are reviewed. They are to make devices smaller so that electrons (or holes) travel shorter distances in response to a signal, to change from silicon to new high-speed materials, and to use new transistor designs or operating principles. The impact of the evolutionary trend toward smaller device dimensions on digital systems is described.<>