So I’ve been watching SG-1 recently, and suddenly the way all these alien techs are powered by crystals makes a lot more sense…
Memory Diamond (crystals optimized for data storage) has been a cyberpunk trope since the 80’s. Neat that we’re finally getting there.
See also:
Computronium (matter optimized for data processing)
Now combine this with catalytic computing
Not before 10 years in my opinion :
(…) “When the crystal absorbs sufficient energy, it releases electrons and holes. And these charges are captured by the defects,” França said. “We can read that information. You can release the electrons, and we can read the information by optical means.” (…)
(…) Unlike dosimeters, which are typically activated by X-rays or gamma rays, the storage device is activated by a simple ultraviolet laser. The laser stimulates the lanthanides, which in turn release electrons. The electrons are trapped by some of the oxide crystal’s defects, for instance, the individual gaps in the structure where a single oxygen atom should be, but isn’t. (…)
