What does this number measure?
In 2016, Berkeley researchers demonstrated a molybdenum disulfide transistor using a carbon nanotube approximately 1 nm in diameter as its gate. The nanometre refers to this gate dimension: the entire transistor and its contacts are much larger. The image represents only the nanotube; its vertical diameter is compared and its length is symbolic. This is a laboratory result, not the size of a commercial chip or a claim to a current record.
Compare the stated dimensions
The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.
Source and limitations
Berkeley Lab announcement consulted on 30 October 2026: a 1 nm carbon-nanotube gate, demonstrated in 2016. The dimension refers to the gate, not the complete transistor.
Original interpreted scientific illustration, not a photograph. Diameter of the gate nanotube. Only the gate nanotube's diameter is compared at 1 nm; its length is symbolic. The entire transistor is not represented.
Demonstration: 2016. Berkeley Lab announcement consulted on 30 October 2026: a 1 nm carbon-nanotube gate, demonstrated in 2016. The dimension refers to the gate, not the complete transistor.