I am working on some silicon chip designs on my own (I also do it professionally). I think I will always have an interest in this field...even as I make a career shift away from it.
I am currently involved in self-study of Quantum Mechanics. Not just the philosophy or the qualitative "gee-wiz" type stuff...the actually nitty-gritty mathematics and physics...to the point of developing the skills for applying Quantum Mechanics in a wide number of areas. I will at least have to pass exams.
I am also interested in the
polywell technology.
I think this is the most promising thing in the energy realm I've seen. They say all the physics have been figured out, and all that's left is engineering.
But I want to understand the physics. Then possibly go for a ph.d. program focussing on polywells.