British and Russian scientists said they have discovered a new material that can be used to build computer chips only a single molecule thick.
Called graphene, the material is composed of a two-dimensional, giant, flat molecule that can conduct an electronic signal, BBC News Online reported. A relative of fullerenes -- molecules of carbon that compose nanotubes -- it was discovered by physicists from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and Chernogolovka in Russia.
The nanofabric's electronic property means technicians can use it to build an ultrafast, stable transistor. Its strength and flexibility mean that the transistor can be made extremely small, allowing it to operate at extreme speed because the distances electronic signals must travel become shorter.
The scientists said graphene could be ready for industrial applications in about 10 years.
© Copyright 2004 by United Press International
