Advances in superconducting microelectronics technology will help to bring about ultra high-speed Internet switches and high-capacity power lines in 2007, according to a list of top-10 superconductivity breakthroughs expected next year.
The list was published by Hypres, a developer of superconducting microelectronics technology. It predicts that superconducting electronics will also appear in wireless digital receivers which Hypres says will “lead to significantly improved wireless communication systems – in speed, accuracy and data capacity – for military and commercial applications.”
In the next 12 months, Hypres says scientists will use superconducting technology to process optical signals in interconnecting circuits, leading to 100Tbps routers.
Scientists will also demonstrate cables made out of superconductors that efficiently carry electricity to areas that are without power infrastructure – carrying three to five times more electricity than traditional power lines of the same size, according to the company.
Also in Hypres’ top-10 predictions include a 10Tflops workstation to replace room-sized systems. Applications could include weather forecasting, according to Hypres.
Linda Leung, lleung@nww.com
