{
  "id": 5945403,
  "title": "How small can a transistor get?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/how-small-can-a-transistor-get",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-06T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Science",
    "slug": "live-science",
    "url": "https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/how-small-can-a-transistor-get"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Transistors are the fundamental building blocks of modern computers and electronic devices. These tiny switches, etched into silicon chips, turn on and off billions of times per second to process data and power everything from AI data centers to everyday gadgets. The smaller a transistor can be made, the more can be packed onto a single chip, leading to faster processing power and greater functionality. However, the quest to shrink transistors further is not without challenges.\n\nAt their current scale, transistors are far smaller than the width of a human hair. In recent experiments, researchers have managed to create transistors using individual atoms to control electron flow, pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible. By utilizing two-dimensional semiconductors, researchers were able to shrink nanoribbon transistors to a width of just 25 nanometers, about one-tenth the width of a human hair. These ultra-thin materials offer more precise control over electrical current, enabling the creation of smaller transistors than traditional silicon-based devices.\n\nDespite these advancements, there are still significant hurdles to overcome before we can achieve even smaller transistors. Cost and manufacturing are major concerns, as designing and producing billions of transistors at scale is an incredibly expensive and complex process. Additionally, energy efficiency becomes a critical factor as more transistors are added, as each additional transistor increases power consumption, leading to higher heat output. This presents a dilemma, as faster, smaller transistors require more energy to operate efficiently.\n\nWith the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, the demand for faster, more powerful chips has never been greater. However, the quest for smaller transistors is not only important for AI data centers but also for consumer electronics. Smaller transistors enable devices to consume less power, offer longer battery life, and deliver enhanced computing capabilities, all while maintaining lower costs. The future of transistors may involve stacking them in 3D designs, allowing more transistors to fit within the same chip area, thereby maximizing power and efficiency. Ultimately, the pursuit of smaller transistors drives innovation across multiple industries, shaping the devices we use every day and pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.",
  "summary": "How small can a transistor actually get? And is smaller even still the goal?",
  "key_points": [
    "Transistors are fundamental building blocks of modern electronics.",
    "Researchers created transistors using individual atoms, shrinking them to 25 nanometers.",
    "Challenges include cost, manufacturing, and energy efficiency."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}