Scientists Find Fundamental Maximum Limit for Processor Speeds

Silicon wafers. Quantum computing. Light-based processors.
Any way you slice it, scientists say that processor speeds
will absolutely max out at a certain point, regardless of how
hardware or software are implemented.

Lev Levitin and Tommaso Toffoli, two researchers at the
University of Boston, devised an equation which sets
a fundamental limit for quantum computing speeds. According
to their studies, a perfect quantum computer can generate 10
quadrillion more operations per second than fastest current
processors. They estimate that the maximum speed will be
reached in 75 years.

Others, including MIT professor Scott Aaronson, think that
even with the emergernce of quantum computing, Moore's Law
will die even sooner, in 20 years. Gordon Moore (along with
others) predicted that the axiom would die anywhere between
4 and 15 years from now with regard to silicon chips.

But Levitin says that a variety of factors, such as
technological barriers, will slow the process, leading them
to believe that processors still have 75 years of evolution
left.

So... what happens when those speeds max out?