The folks with the really big heads at the University of Utah have done it again. This time U scientists have made a breakthrough that could take computing to a new level of speed using terahertz spybeams. So cool.

When I got the press release yesterday, I didn't know what to make of it — "terahertz?" But today I see the Brits are all in a bother about it.

Boffins* working at the University of Utah say they have one-upped London-based researchers in the race to perfect "T-ray" powered computers. Terahertz radiation, or T-rays, could drive powerful circuitry in a similar fashion to photonic optical machines seen by some as a likely successor to current (cough) electronic kit.

"We have taken a first step to making circuits that can harness or guide terahertz radiation," said Ajay Nahata, Utah associate prof. "Eventually - in a minimum of 10 years - this will allow the development of superfast circuits, computers and communications."

Boffins* at Imperial College in London showed off some basic T-ray handling techniques in February, but Nahata says the UofU methods are far more advanced. Go Utes!

*Brit for techies with really big heads.