Vacuum tubes to semiconductors to ?

AI Thread Summary
Vacuum tubes were historically the primary technology for switching and amplification until transistors and semiconductors largely replaced them. There is concern regarding the future of semiconductors as transistor sizes approach their theoretical limits, raising questions about potential replacements. Quantum computing is not yet widespread and is seen as having specific applications rather than serving as a general replacement. Reliable information on this topic can be found in resources like the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors. The discussion also raises the need to define terms like "near term" and "replacement" in the context of market impact.
wukunlin
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This is something that has popped into my head recently.

afaik, vacuum tubes were once the most common device used for switching, and amplifying.
Then transistors and other semiconductor devices come along and almost wiped out vacuum tubes (not totally i think)

what I want to ask is:

is there any signs of replacements for semiconductors in the near future? I mean the size of transistors in cpu's seems to be approaching theoretical limit (tunnelling start to be significant for example), and I don't see quantum computing to be widespread (I think i also read somewhere on this forum that quantum computer's have very specific uses

where would be a good place (preferably free :P ) to find reliable information on topics like this?
 
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