[TheAntiDoomer]

http://www.physorg.com/news169129727.html

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')his effect is typically only observed when a two-dimensional semiconductor is subjected to an extraordinarily strong magnetic field at low temperatures. But in the unusual, three-dimensional crystals developed at Princeton, it occurs spontaneously because the electrons are traveling so close to the speed of light that, according to the theory of relativity, they effectively generate their own magnetic field. In this scenario, the quantum Hall effect dictates that the electrons are able to flow freely on the outside of the crystal, but not through it. The result: an insulator with surfaces that conduct electricity.

[heroineworshipper]

No, no, no. It's lithium air batteries. That's the next big thing.

[anador]

That's actually a really fascinating effect.

A shame it probably cannot be made commercially viable anytime soon. There are many advancements in computing that appear to be revolutionizing processing and storage.

They just did a sci-am article on carbon nanotube and iron memory material that has the capability of storing trillions of bits in a square inch, and remain viable in a solid state for a billion years or more.

Again...... fascinating? yes...... likely to see it in sky-mall soon? doubtful.

[timmac]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('pstarr', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'q')uantum Hall effect dictates that the electrons are able to flow freely on the outside of the crystal,