German researchers from the Ruhr University Bochum have developed an ultra-fast waterborne switch.
In their work, physicists used water withiodine ions dissolved in it, which make it salty. A specially made nozzle releases this water in the form of a flat jet just a few microns thick.
A short but powerful laser is fed into the stream.pulse. This pushes electrons out of the dissolved salts, greatly increasing the conductivity of the water. The liquid becomes conductive in the wavelength range from 1 to 3 THz and exhibits properties similar to metals. A second laser can read what state the water is in, providing options similar to the "on" and "off" options of today's transistors.
All operations of computers and smartphones are based ondiagrams, scientists explain. The speed at which a component can switch between states zero and one ultimately determines how fast the computer can run. Modern computers use semiconductors that make electrical switching possible. But they are initially limited in switching speed due to their nature.
The researchers believe that the new concept of fluid switches will help to significantly accelerate the speed of computing and create a new type of computer.
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On the cover: an illustration of a fluid switch. Image: Adrian Buchmann, Ruhr University Bochum