The invention of a revolutionary material that can dramatically increase the energy efficiency, speed and durability of computers and smartphones was recently announced by University of Victoria scientist Natia Frank. The new material, known as light-induced magnetoresistive random-access memory (LI-RAM), uses light to store and process information instead of using electricity. This can drastically reduce the amount of heat generated by computing devices, potentially enabling computers and smartphones to process information as fast as a supercomputer. The university estimates that the amount of electricity currently generated by information communications technologies, which currently accounts for 10 percent of the world’s electricity consumption, could be cut in half by LI-RAM.
As this illustrates, materials selection can make all the difference when it comes to new inventions. Selecting the right material can be a critical factor in whether your invention is a success or a failure. Here are four ways material selection can affect your invention’s success.