Venkatasubramanian and the other researchers have been able to reduce heat on a simulated CPU by 15 degrees Celsius. But he is optimistic that by using more thermally-conductive materials on the silicon chip, such as improved solder or even carbon nanotubes, the micro-refrigerator could help cool a chip by as much as 40 degrees Celsius.

Such a drastic reduction would allow a chip to run faster or a chipmaker to cram even more transistors onto single or multiple cores.

Another advantage of a micro-refrigerator would be its efficiency. Each cooler would be targeted at hot spots on the rear of the chip and use only between 2 and 3 watts when active.

"This is cooling on demand," Venkatasubramanian said.

The closest analogy is to the ice packs that marathon runners wrap around their necks during races, he said. "Because of the large amount of blood supplied to your head and neck area, you can bring your core body temperature down quickly and continue racing."