And it must be robust even when ‘shaken and stirred’. The kinds of bits we are talking about here must be tiny – ten nanometres (ten billionths of a metre, about 20 times the diameter of an atom) is the typical target figure. One property of oxides however is that many are magnetic and a number of ideas have emerged recently on how it might be possible to move around magnetic ‘bits’, both in oxides and in other magnets, with very little energy being required. Tiny ‘cosmic strings’ There is one obvious drawback: oxides are great to store information but not so much to move information around – and the latter is required for computation. Oxides of common metals, such as iron and copper, are natural targets for this research – not least because oxides are already a technology staple and are present in silicon-based computers, so there is a high chance of compatibility between the two technologies. Researchers have been working for a long time on alternative technologies which might afford greater efficiency. However, because of its immense success and ubiquitous nature, it is very difficult to replace silicon technology. To put that in context, the human brain uses about 12 watts of power, while an equivalent computer would use 12 megawatts: the output of a small power station. So just how energy-inefficient are computers? Well, the human brain uses approximately a millionth of the energy required by a computer to perform the same operation. Professor Paolo Radaelli from Oxford’s Department of Physics, working with Diamond Light Source, has been leading research into silicon alternatives and his group’s surprising findings are published tomorrow in Nature but online today. Īfter the end of the pandemic, climate change is likely to resume its position as the number one challenge for humanity and finding ways decarbonise tech is an obvious target for energy savings. Incredibly easy to find, RTR is located just behind the famed “A Pickers Find” antique and vintage retail shop on Route 6, in Honesdale.Could rust be the secret to next-gen computing technology? Current silicon-based computing technology is incredibly energy-inefficient and, by 2030, information and communications technology (ICT) is projected to gobble up more than 20% of the global electricity production. The staff of Rust To Riches invite you to stop by and visit their shop and see all of the current, in-progress projects. RTR performs everything from sheet metal work and fabrication to custom home decor, also performing mechanical hot/street rod work and restoration of everything from antique gas pumps to Coke machines and everything vintage! The guys at RTR thoroughly enjoy every step in the detail and transformation of each project, as evidenced in the “before and after” pictures (please take a peek at the photo albums!) After founding a successful equipment rental company in Northeast Pennsylvania in the late 1980’s, Steve has finally stepped out of the day-to-day operations of the company to focus on the Rust To Riches Projects and get hands-on with his own passion: Chevelle’s. After working years for a top fuel drag racing team and then a nationally renowned hot rod shop, Chris decided to move back to his hometown and share his talents with the folks on the East Coast.
Rust to Riches (RTR) was founded by Chris Hegge and Steve Motichka, for their pure passion and talent for, initially, the art of antique vehicle restoration, customization, and finishing.