IBM scientists use DNA molecules to make smaller chips

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The experimental breakthrough could be a step toward developing a new technique for making smaller microprocessors beyond the traditional manufacturing processes.
Chipmakers have been able to make tinier, but more powerful, processors over the past half century, but this advance has also pushed the limits of manufacturing techniques.
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Currently, the semiconductor industry is able to make processors using 22 nanometer manufacturing technology. Big Blue's researchers, in collaboration with the California Institute of Technology, have found a way to make microprocessors using a "a method to arrange DNA origami structures on surfaces compatible with today's semiconductor manufacturing equipment," IBM said.

Wow, look what we have here. IBM has done it yet again ! A breakthrough, after consistent years of pushing on the flywheel. Putting that aside, this breakthrough will be able to increase its market share in the long run as it produces unique processors which are way more powerful than ever. In addition, with the technology, it could easily scrap away large bulky manufacturing equipments that occupy simply too much space in the factory. With the costs cut severely, manpower will be further be trained to handle new technologies and IBM is going to leap forward ahead of other companies like Intel and Microsoft in no time.

Spike Narayan, a manager at IBM Research-Almaden, said the discovery also could pave the way for chipmakers to make processors without using huge and expensive manufacturing equipment.

"You rely less and less on school-bus sized equipment to do lithography," he said in an interview. "We have to look at different innovative ways to get those dimensions on wafers." He said the technique could be put to practical use in chipmaking in eight to 10 years.

The technique could even put to practical use in chipmaking in 8 to 10 years, this might seems long to the public but in actual fact, it is no less than what it should really be. Innovations and breakthroughs do not come day in and day out, they are in fact the essence of consistency, of everyday's hard work. While it may seem like a revolution, the arranging of DNA origami structures on surfaces compatible with today's semiconductor manufacturing equipment probably had IBM working for years, or in fact decades. Nonetheless, the prospects are great and the future of IBM is definitely shining its way out of this recession. IBM is for sure, one company that never fails to carry out its principles (Excellence, Respect for individual and Service) irregardless of the market's condition. Commendable!