Is computer technology really approaching it's limit these days?

Question

If we flash back to one hundred years ago people would of never thought any of this to be possible but only in science fiction. Flash forewording to now, what if we finally invent something that can be stored bigger on the inside like a 30 foot ladder fitting into a 3x3x3 cm box using alien technologies. Another good example would be a TARDIS (from "doctor who" where the inside is bigger than the outside) Could something like that ever be developed in the future? It would change storage of permanent data forever.

Answer 1

Your question and the rest of the prose seem slightly disjoint. So, I'll make a comment to both.

First, with regard to computer technology, no, I don't think it is reaching its limit. Certainly it has become more and more difficult to reduce the size of the pathways between transistors and to manage the heat associated with those we have. However, companies like IBM, Intel and AMD are exploring and have found different materials and methods for creating these links that are either smaller, thus allowing room for more transistors, and do not produce as much heat.

Just look at the recent burst of multi-core processors. As it became less cost effective to build faster processors (and many programs don't take advantage of what's there anyway), they turned to expanding the computer's capability to process multiple programs simultaneously. I'm not sure what your computer background is but a single processor only gives the illusion fo running multiple programs simultaneously. In reality, the processor works on one, saves where it is, swaps it out for another, makes progress on that one, swaps it out, etc. It just occurs so fast that it appears to be all done simultaneously to the human user. With multiple processors, you are actually running multiple programs at once and with the added benefit of things like a cache for each processor.

So, overall, I think computer technology as a whole will evolve. As we reach an apparent limit in one approach, we'll find others. I think we have a long way to go before we need the TARDIS data storage system.

Now, as for the second part, as I understand my TARDIS tech, it is bigger on the inside than the out because it exists in a separate dimension. So, to achieve something like that we'd need a) to have a method by which we can manage a gateway between multiple dimensions, b) to find a dimension among the infinite suspected of existing in which there is nothing but open space and c) a way of generating finite spaces within that dimension that don't overlap with others. Then we could take create a door from something we perceive as small in our dimension and connect it to a created finite space that is much larger than the one here. I think the knowledge and maturity of the human race has a long way to evolve before something like this is remotely plausible, let alone possible.As for using the larger finite space for data storage, that would depend upon how data is stored by the time we gain the capability and what kind of power requirements the storage would have and the effect of dimensional travel would have on the interface between the storage and processor (which would exist, presumably, in our dimension).

Answer 2

Computer technology has been approaching limits for years. So far, most have found technological solutions. Some looming ones like leakage and optical resolution are not fundamental. Some might be solved by technology, perhaps new materials, circuit topology, e-beam exposure, or nanotechnology fabrication. Some might not. Other limits are more fundamental, such as quantum effects, and the current lack of building materials smaller than atoms.

Don't hold your breath for solutions to topological impossibilities. But we could get some surprises that seem like impossibilities. Utilization of the zero-point field as an energy source is one that comes to mind.

Answer 3

There are some limits we are approaching to. Size of elements like transistors in a chip get so small that leakage (leak currents) is a problem. In addition quantum effects become more important on smaller scales. Light used for getting the layout on the actual chip is UV now and needs to get shorter for creating smaller structures. In extreme UV and soft x-ray region focussing is a real problem, because there are no lenses for wavelength this short.

For many things there are concepts, but yet too expensive for mass production. Nevertheless, quantum effects and leakage are "hardcore" problems. We can not outwit tunnel effect.

Answer 4

Not at all. In just 30 years we'll look back at the stuff today and chuckle at how we thought it was cutting edge when it came out.

Answer 5

no.
its increasing the value of science these days!
everything probably was a circastic thing without these devices in ancient periods.
but now it has changed a lot........not going 4 its limit,., it attains the topmost position alllover!