A milestone on the road to ultrafast computers

Article Abstract:

Using tunnelling magnetic junction random access memory, or tmj-ram, scientists demonstrated reading and writing times close to 10 nanoseconds, a six-fold increase over current technology. These new microelectronics, called 'spintronics,' draw on 2 characteristics of quantum mechanics: spin and tunnelling. By ordering the random up and down 'spin' of electrons, researchers create the binary state that is the basis for computer functions. Tunneling is a quantum quality by which current passes from one metal layer to the next, flipping its spin. The combination of these two features allows the memory chip to retain data when it is off, yet hold large amounts of data which can be accessed quickly.

Author: Markoff, John
Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing, Product introduction, Random Access Memory Circuits, Semiconductor industry, Innovations, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Technology development, Random access memory, RAM, RAM (Random access memory)

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Bridging two worlds to make on-line digital music profitable

Article Abstract:

Garageband.com is starting a Web site where musicians will upload music for consumers to download, listen to and rate. Starting next year, each month the most popular music will win a recording contract. The music files will be in MP3 format. The business was started by Tom Zito, Amanda Lathroum, and Jerry Harrison

Author: Markoff, John
Marketing procedures, Consumer Audio Recordings, Integrated Record Production/Distribution, Prerecorded records and tapes, Statistical Data Included, Marketing, Electronic commerce, E-commerce, Sound recording industry, Recording industry, Sound recordings, Company marketing practices, Garageband.com

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