IBM looks to DNA to further reduce the size of chips

In a bid to further reduce the geometries of processors, IBM is looking at harnessing DNA to manufacture the chips of tomorrow. The idea behind shrinking chip geometries is to pack in ever-more transistors for more powerful processors that consume less power. Unfortunately, current methods of shrinking chip geometries will not be sustainable for long.

On Monday, though, IBM announced the advancement of a method to use DNA molecules as scaffolding in a way that is compatible with current semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Millions of carbon nanotubes are deposited that will stick to the DNA molecules. This will potentially allow lithography of below 22-nanometer to be achieved more economically.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at CNET News

Related Articles:
AMD scoffs at Nvidia's 'huge, monolithic' approach
Intel researching eco-friendly computer chips
Top IBM chip designer joins Apple; IBM files lawsuit to block move