All through the days of high school drudgery, we have studied about the three states of matter: solid, liquid and gas. Apparently, there is a fourth state of matter and it could help building microchips in a grand way. Researchers at the University of McGill have discovered the quasi-three-dimensional electron crystal, which could be used to manufacture modern transistors and more.

The fourth matter was discovered in a device that was 100 times cooler than the inter-galactic space. After the matter was exposed to earth’s gravitation, the 2D electron system changed to a semi-3D one. This could pave way for faster and more efficient microchips and if things go well, it could dramatically reduce the prices of the chips as well.

So, the difficult-to-pronounce fourth state of matter is a thing of reality. I remember having read about the plasma state of matter, which was supposed to be the fourth state of matter. Science can be confusing, really.

Via: Gizmodo