Just few weeks back Intel started shipping Ivy Bridge processors based on 22nm process technology and Intel’s CEO Paul Otellini is already talking about 7nm and 5nm process technologies that are at least 3-5 generations away. In a presentation Otellini revealed that Intel has begun research on 7nm and 5nm manufacturing technology for processor. He said, “Our research and development is quite deep, I talk about ten years”.

Intel is looking into process lithography, materials for manufacturing and Interconnect technologies for 7nm and 5nm processors, as at such small size most of the current technologies won’t work without modifications or completely new materials.

Intel has already equipped D1X Oregon Fab, Fab 42 Arizona and Fab 24 Ireland for 14nm fabrication processes, which Intel will start in 2013. The company will follow 14nm processors with 10nm process technology in 2015. If Intel follows this time frame we should see 7nm processors in 2017-18 and 5nm processors in 2019-20. [Via Xbit Laboratories]