The Quantum Limit to Moore's Law

Moore's law has accurately predicted the growth of computing power from the increasing density of transistor devices on integrated circuit (IC) chips. Many believe this trend will continue indefinitely; however, quantum physics may define a future limit to electronic miniaturization and ever-increasing computing power. Heisenberg uncertainty in terms of the Compton wavelength of particle physics suggests such a boundary, even for anticipated advances in quantum computing. Moore's law has been a reliable predictor of the pace of electronic technology advancement; however, quantum physics may provide the ultimate limit to this mathematical model.