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Explore the cutting-edge materials that power modern technological innovations in this final lecture from The Royal Institution's 1988 Christmas Lectures series. Delve into the world of silicon chips and their role in computing and electronic devices, examining how these millimetre-square components have revolutionized technology. Discover how silicon microelectronics transforms power control for electric motors, overcoming traditional limitations imposed by mains supply frequency. Learn about the miniaturization of sensors and actuators through silicon technology and glimpse into the future of supermolecular computers based on organic molecules. Investigate liquid crystal display technology as a prime example of molecular electronic devices already transforming home entertainment. Understand how organic materials complement silicon and inorganic materials in creating the smart homes of tomorrow. Professor Gareth Roberts demonstrates how scientific progress combines with market demands to produce innovative products that will define domestic life in the coming decades, connecting classic discoveries with emerging laboratory innovations destined for household applications.
