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Links to broadcast quality audio files and transcripts -- Dr. Meyya Meyyappan, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. interviewed about using carbon nanotubes as 'iuterconnects' in integrated circuits or 'silicon chips.' Issued April 14, 2003.

Question 5. What is the effect, if any, of carbon nanotubes on the speed of computer chips?

The audio recording is 1:14 minutes

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Full Transcript (below)


5. What is the effect, if any, of carbon nanotubes on the speed of computer chips? (1:14 MINUTES)

Dr. Meyya Meyyappan: "The introduction of the carbon nanotube as an interconnect itself is not meant to increase or decrease the speed of the silicon-based computer chips. The silicon-based computer chip, as it goes through the next four or five generations of evolution, there is a pre-planned sequence of improvements in terms of speed. And so, that is kind of pre-set. But the real question is can you get that speed with appropriate manufacturing techniques? And so, that is what the carbon nanotube is allowing us to do. Yeah, that there is a manufacturing technique, at least as the interconnect is concerned that that is going to allow you to reach this preset or pre-desired speed. And umm, so the Semiconductor Industry Association has got preset plans – or so-called clock speed for these computers for the next four or five generations."

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