http://www.iflscience.com/technology/new-type-computer-capable-calculating-640tbs-data-one-billionth-second-could (http://www.iflscience.com/technology/new-type-computer-capable-calculating-640tbs-data-one-billionth-second-could)
But will we ever be able to afford it when it comes ?
If it works. this will revolutionise the IT industry.
The idea of a completely new hardware architecture is well over due. I've long wondered how the relationship between memory and CPU proximity and binding could be overcome. Well beyond my skill set though.
I had thought photon computers would be the first way to overcome the problem but that died within a few years of being announced.
Then theories about quantum computers looked the way to go, with their super high speed around copper corners and faster processing. Unfortunately, only the CSIRO has built a general purpose version (others are task specific) and it needs millions of dollars of supporting equipment.
Now HP's idea, again if it works, looks like a simple soloution. Choosing the three best media for the three "new" parts of their hardware architecture. Electrons to compute, photons to communicate and ions to store (like memory).
Just using the oxygen ions as memory BITS will massive increase the amount of memory/cm2 (cm3 really) and speed of access (probably in the order of thousands) while reducing power use (probably in the order of tens of watts).
My personnel "grin" moment was when they said the CPU's could use any of the memory without authority from the other CPU's. :cheer1:
It's been a long time since HP could live up to their motto, "Innovate" but I reckon they've out done themselves this time.
The video has great detail and it's not too techie (http://youtu.be/JzbMSR9vA-c).