Orbital computing: An amazing atomic-level tech for future computers | ExtremeTech

Orbital computing: An amazing atomic-level tech for future computers | ExtremeTech: He calls the idea “orbital computing” since the bit... would be the orbits of electrons around the nucleus of an atom. The goal is to be able to probe the electron clouds of single atoms using terahertz waves of just the right size.

In materials like these, the macroscopic properties (like conductance) are controlled mainly by electron orbits known as “d-orbitals.” The state of these d-orbitals can be readily observed with X-rays, and they can be controlled as easily as adjusting the temperature. But temperature or other gross manipulations are relatively slow ways to try to read or write data, compact bunches of T-rays does the trick much better.