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Binary Computing has made possible the reduction of computer size. This sized reduction is based strickly on the ability to be able to detect a simple "1" or "zero" or"off" or "on" condition. Because of this, if you were able to detect it a single electron flowing could represent the "1" or "on" condition. The advantage of binary computing is that it theoretically allows for the reduction of computer components to molecular size. The concept of molecular computing leads to a new world of possible miniature self-directed machines in the size range of nano-meter range. The potential uses for such devises and their possible impact on industry and the economy world-wide is worth closer examination.
As the size of computers has been reduced their applications, efficiencies, and effect on society have increased. This effect can be seen as they moved from vacuum tube to transistor, from transistor to integrated circuit, and from integrated circuit to microprocessor. Each reduction in size brought about both an increase in the number and kinds of practical applications, and a fundamental change in the growth and the direction of industry and the economics worldwide. The reduction in size of the computer has allowed computer controls to change every industry in ways that could not have been imagined only a few short years ago. Considering the positive effect that computer size reduction has had on every aspect of life, the possibility of computer processors being reduced to molecular size has some stunning implications.
The effect of computer component reduction can be seen in the use of microprocessors in applications where computer controls would have seemed only a distant possibility a few years ago. Computers (in the form of microprocessors) have made it possible to have telephones that fit in a shirt pocket, that have the ability to link to satellites and the world-wide-web. The world-wide-web itself is a product of the microprocessor as is so much of the communication industry. Microprocessor controls have been applied to every industry and have changed every aspect of business from manufacturing to inventory control to sales and distribution. The development of microprocessors has driven a new technical industrial-informational revolution. Keeping this in mind consider the effect of reduction of computer processors to the size of molecules. The possible applications alone provide the potential for a fundamental change in society.
Consider the potential of computer-controlled machines that a smaller than a single living cell. Such machines could be possible soon if current research develops viable molecular size computers. Current research has developed two potential models for molecular sized processors; the Quantum computer and the DNA processor. The Quantum model is based on reading the alignments of individual atoms in a magnetic field. The DNA model is based on reading the condition of a DNA molecule as either “open” or “closed”. Both models potentially reduce the size of the basic processor to the nano-meter (billionth of a meter) range, thereby allowing for power, complex, computers to be smaller than the size of a living cell. This would allow for machines small enough to construct molecules individually,be programmed and set into action.
The implications of such machines have been the talk of science fiction for years, but their possible reality could have impact on such diverse fields as medicine and metallurgy. Quality control in any industry could begin on a level never before possible. The implications in medicine are almost unlimited. Nano-machines controlled by molecular computers could seek out disease, repair damaged tissues and organs, and deliver drugs to a specific destination. The same applies to the construction industry; material inspection, repair, and possible construction could all be done on the microscopic level. Imagine if you will a machine programmed to recognize and destroy a particular virus, or one created to design a particular metallic alloy. Or what if you programmed a nano-machine just to create other nano-machines?
There isn’t an industry or task that would not be affected by the development of such technology. The value of “spin-off” technologies can only be contemplated in the most basic terms. Think of what it would mean to be able to programmed nano-machines to recycle or refine what is currently thought of as waste? What about the possible use of these machines in chemical processing? The list goes on and on.
While this technology is still in the research stage, there is little doubt that its development will make an impact that will change the world as we know it.
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