University of Arizona Researchers Develop Petahertz-Speed Quantum Transistor Using Graphene

Scientists at the University of Arizona, in collaboration with international partners, have made a significant leap in computing technology by developing a transistor capable of operating at petahertz speeds—over a thousand times faster than today’s most advanced processors. The key breakthrough involves using ultrafast laser pulses to manipulate the behavior of electrons in graphene, a single-layer carbon material known for its remarkable electrical properties. By applying laser pulses as short as 638 attoseconds, researchers were able to induce quantum tunneling in real time, allowing electrons to bypass barriers almost instantaneously. This phenomenon was observed using a modified graphene phototransistor enhanced with a silicon layer. Notably, the transistor worked under normal ambient conditions, suggesting it could be scaled for commercial use. Mohammed Hassan, the project lead, explained that this development could revolutionize computing across various fields, including AI, health care, and space science. The team is now working with Tech Launch Arizona to patent the technology and aims to adapt it for use with commercially available lasers, broadening its potential industrial application. This milestone demonstrates a practical pathway toward computing systems that process information at speeds previously thought unattainable.