The End--Not Here Yet, But Coming Soon

Ever since the advent of silicon chips, doomsayers have seen limits to the technology just over the horizon. Challenges in controlling the lithography used in drawing the patterns on the chips and limitations of the materials themselves have loomed as insurmountable roadblocks at one time or another. So far, researchers have found ways around all these obstacles. But this time, many say, real physical barriers may be in sight.