Copper copy

Copper interconnects

Sourced and rewritten from The Evolution of Microprocessors by IBM

Arizona is the Copper state.

I love these images. They were part of IBM's 100 Icons of Progress series in 2011.

"Many didn’t believe in copper’s promise. Yet the limitations of aluminum in microprocessors were obvious... Copper wire conducts electricity with 40% less resistance than aluminum, which results in an additional 15% burst in microprocessor speed. Copper wires are more durable and reliable over time."

Copper has some downsides too. It can alter silicon, changing its electrical properties and corrupting device operability. IBM’s efforts in material science helped separate the copper from the silicon and prevent these adverse effects.