Physics of Computer Memory Devices

Abstract

1976. x+402 pp., £12.50/S31.60 0.12.495050.7 At an ever-increasing rate during the past few decades, computers have grown in size, speed, complexity and versatility. Such growth has been made possible by the rapid development in electronic digital technology from tubes, via discrete transistors and integrated circuits to integration on a large scale coupled with the availability of suitable materials and techniques which enable the construction of relatively inexpensive and efficient computer memories. Usually, these memories resulted from immense interdisciplinary effort by physicists and electronic engineers, yet even so, communication problems often impeded progress towards still better memories. The authors have written this volume with the aim of improving understanding among the different disciplines. For the electronic engineer there are descriptions of the physical elements he is using or is going to use, while the physicist can learn which material properties are most relevant to the proper functioning of a memory device. The work, intended as an introduction to an interesting subject discusses various memory techniques, placing the main emphasis throughout on the underlying physical principles. The book's primary appeal will be to students (senior undergraduate and graduate) in departments of physics, electronic engineering and materials science, as well as all scientists and engineers in the field of computer memories. Programmers, mathematicians, system designers and others working more generally with computers should also find much to interest them.