Since first developed in the early sixties, silicon chip technology has made vast leaps forward. From a rudimentary circuit with a mere handful of transistors, the chip has evolved into a technological miracle, packing millions of bits of information on a surface no larger than a human thumbnail. And most experts predict that in the near future, we will see chips with over a billion bits. At the same time, this revolution in microelectronics has sparked a dramatic change in the way we live. An integral part of the computer industry, the microchip is found in everything from lasers, fax machines, and satellites to greeting cards and children's toys. And yet few people have any idea how chips work, or how so much information can be captured in such a miniscule space.
Now, in The Quantum Dot, physicist Richard Turton provides a clear, informative look at the science that lies behind the modern revolution in microelectronics and offers an intriguing glimpse of the possible future of this rapidly evolving field. Turton illuminates the development of the microchip, in a discussion that ranges from a primer on atoms and electrons, to the properties of semiconductors (most notably, silicon), to the structure of the transistor. We learn how researchers have managed to pack the tiny silicon chip with more and more bits, and we get a state-of-the-art look at the microelectronic industry today, from the newest chip materials (such as gallium arsenide, a much faster material than silicon, used in the recently released Cray 3 supercomputer) to the exotic world of high-temperature superconductors. Perhaps most interesting, Turton offers a provocative glimpse of the future of microelectronics. Here readers enter the strange realm where quantum theory prevails and where physical events contradict our intuitive perceptions. Turton shows how researchers are leaving the transistor far behind as they struggle to exploit quantum effects to create incredibly small and fast devices, such as "designer atoms" and the quantum dot. He concludes that the range of future possibilities are immense, including devices in which electrons behave not as particles but as waves, and computers in which there are no electrical signals, only beams of light.
Here then is an amazing scientific--and economic--success story, told with clarity and expertise. It will fascinate anyone curious about where modern technology is headed and what the world might look like when it gets there.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
If you've ever wanted to understand just how semiconductors, transistors, and microelectronics work--and what the future holds in store--Richard Turton's The Quantum Dot explains it in a thorough yet accessible fashion that doesn't require a degree in physics or electrical engineering to understand. Turton describes the basic principles upon which today's microelectronics are built to set the stage for a discussion of potential computing devices of the future, including quantum transistors, superconducting elements, and optoelectronics that switch with light rather than electricity. Turton is careful to provide an overview as he begins each chapter and to recap the discussion at the end, so that even if you were baffled by some of the finer details you can still pick up the gist of the section.
In The Quantum Dot, physicist Richard Turton reveals the science behind the microelectronic revolution and provides us with a tantalizing peek at the future of this rapidly evolving field. Turton's clear explanations and engaging style make this a book that will appeal to the armchair scientist while sacrificing nothing of the complexity that the more sophisticated reader will demand. The range of future possibilities is immense, and thanks to The Quantam Dot, we can follow the progress of modern technology and glimpse how new the world might look.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
US$ 6.64 shipping from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsUS$ 59.87 shipping from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsSeller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780716745174
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780716745174
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,500grams, ISBN:9780716745174. Seller Inventory # 9536535
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Cotswold Internet Books, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Condition: Used - Very Good. VG paperback. 1st ed. Corner of front cover creased. Seller Inventory # BOOKS097367I
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: The Blue Penguin, FRODSHAM, United Kingdom
Soft cover. Condition: Fine. No Jacket. First Edition. Card covers, pp.x, 211. Fine copy Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Seller Inventory # 003306
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Antiquariat Smock, Freiburg, Germany
Condition: Gut. Formateinband: Broschur X, 211 S. (23,5 cm) 1st edition; (With many figures); Rücken mit minimaler Lesefalte; sonst gut erhalten. Sprache: Englisch Gewicht in Gramm: 490 [Stichwörter: ]. Seller Inventory # 5639
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: New Book Sale, London, United Kingdom
Softcover. Condition: New. Usually Dispatched within 1-2 Business Days , Buy with confidence , excellent customer service. Seller Inventory # 0716745178 -- 354
Quantity: 1 available