Arizona scientists showcase ultrafast transistor that could revolutionize the world of computing

Imagine ultrafast pulses of light operating your computer, making it a million times faster than any of today's processors. Scientists from Arizona are already working on it.

A team of researchers has found a way to control electricity by using bursts of light instead of regular electric currents. These light bursts move in the petahertz range (that’s one quadrillion cycles per second – a frequency typical of ultraviolet light), which is over 1000 times faster than modern computer chips.

The discovery is based on harnessing ultrafast pulses of light to manipulate the movement of electrons in graphene, a material that’s as thin as an atom. It allows electrons to “jump” through obstacles in a quantum move called tunneling. It’s like Harry Potter running at the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 to access the hidden platform for the Hogwarts Express.

With electrons, this happens almost instantaneously, and it redefines the potential limits of computer processing power. Mohammed Hassan, associate professor of physics and optical sciences, said that transmitting data that quickly would completely transform the world of computing.

“We have experienced a huge leap forward in the development of technologies like artificial intelligence software, but the speed of hardware development does not move as quickly," Hassan said in a publication by the university itself.

"But, by leaning on the discovery of quantum computers, we can develop hardware that matches the current revolution in information technology software. Ultrafast computers will greatly assist discoveries in space research, chemistry, health care, and more."

The team was initially studying how electricity moves through slightly modified samples of graphene. When they exposed the material to laser light, the energy kicked electrons into motion, forming an electric current. But often, something weird would happen: the currents would cancel each other out completely.

Why? Because the laser’s energy moves in waves that go up and down, making matching electric currents on both sides of the super-symmetrical graphene. These currents are exact opposites, so they cancel each other out and leave nothing to chance.
But then came the surprise. A single electron managed to leap and slip through the graphene barrier. The researchers were able to watch it happen in real time. It created an almost instant “tunnel” through the material, a quantum event they not only observed but also learned how to control.

“That is what I love most about science,” Hassan said.

“The real discovery comes from the things you don't expect to happen.”

What’s even more exciting is that this next-gen transistor didn’t need expensive lab conditions. It worked in normal room temperatures and in regular air. That opens the door to bringing this tech into everyday gadgets – phones, computers, and whatever comes next.

Hassan and the University of Arizona are currently working to patent the discovery and bring their invention to the market. While the first version used a special kind of laser, the team is now working on a transistor that can run on regular, commercially available equipment.