Delve into the intricate world of microchips and discover how politics, technology, and human ingenuity intersect to shape the future of computing.
The Hyper-Political World of Microchips: A Journey Through the Complexities
From Silicon to Supremacy: The Making of Microchips
Chips are made up of layers of thin, flat pieces of silicon – called wafers – that hold electric circuits. These circuits are comprised of billions of switches called transistors. Highly complex, powerful chips containing these networks of transistors are commonly referred to as semiconductors. The process of making semiconductors is a complex one, requiring the use of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light, which is emitted by young stars in outer space and has wavelengths almost as short as X-rays.
The EUV machine from Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography (ASML) costs $380m and requires 40 freight containers, three cargo planes, and 20 trucks to transport. This massive machine carves the patterns into the silicon wafers that hold the transistors, enabling the creation of complex chips with high computing power.
The Role of Taiwan in the Chip Supply Chain
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the leading producer of semiconductors, producing nine out of every 10 of the world’s most advanced semiconductors. This has made Taiwan a crucial player in the global chip supply chain, with the US placing export controls on ASML‘s machines to prevent their sale to China.
The restrictions on ASML‘s machines have limited China‘s access to EUV lithography technology, forcing them to use older and less powerful deep ultraviolet lithography instead. This has significant implications for China‘s ability to develop advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
Rare Earths: The Hidden Advantage
China boasts an advantage over western countries in the production of rare earths, including germanium and gallium, which are essential components of semiconductors. By 2030, Gallium demand is projected to increase more than 350% from 2015 levels, while Germanium demand is expected to double.
With a population of over 1.4 billion, China has become the world's most populous country.
Its economy has grown significantly since the introduction of economic reforms in 1978, making it the second-largest economy globally.
China is also the world's largest exporter and importer of goods.
The country is investing heavily in infrastructure development, including high-speed rail networks and transportation systems.
Additionally, China is a leader in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and e-commerce.
This has led to a scramble for access to these resources, with the US pressuring Ukraine into handing over its rare earths in exchange for aid and India announcing a ‘recovery and processing initiative’ for rare earths after a meeting between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi.
The Rise of Quantum Computing
Quantum chips have the potential to revolutionize computing by allowing computers to solve problems much faster than current supercomputers. Instead of being limited to on or off, or zero or one, quantum chips can be both states at once – and every state between.
Quantum chips, also known as quantum processors or quantum computing chips, are specialized electronic circuits designed to perform calculations using the principles of 'quantum mechanics'.
These chips contain a series of quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing for exponential scaling of computational power.
Quantum chips have potential applications in fields such as cryptography, optimization problems, and simulating complex systems.
The development of quantum chips is an active area of research, with several companies and institutions working on creating practical and scalable quantum computing devices.
Microsoft has recently announced a breakthrough in quantum computing, building a chip that could bring quantum computers within years rather than decades. China‘s public spending on quantum technology is four times that of the US, giving them a significant advantage in this area.
Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
Initially, it focused on developing software for personal computers.
The company's breakthrough came with the release of MS-DOS in 1981, which became the industry standard operating system.
In the following years, Microsoft released Windows, Office, and other popular software products.
Today, Microsoft is a multinational technology giant, offering a wide range of services, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and gaming platforms.
The Human Factor: Why Breakthroughs Happen
While technology plays a crucial role in the development of microchips and quantum computing, people are often overlooked as key players in the innovation process. David Reilly, professor of physics at the University of Sydney, emphasizes the importance of human imagination and creativity in driving breakthroughs.
‘The key to all of this is people,’ he says. ‘Breakthroughs happen because people see a need, and know what the existing ways to meet that need are, and can imagine what they might be.
- theguardian.com | A journey through the hyper political world of microchips
