US Scientists Create First Two-dimensional Transistor

From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.

Scientists in the US have announced the creation of the first transistor with only two dimensions. A transistor is a small electronic device that transfers, or carries, electrical current. The device helps to create an electrical path that provides power to other devices. Scientists hope the new 2D transistors will be used for building high-resolution displays that need very little energy.

Scientists from the University of California and Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois created the transistors. They say the transistors are only a few atoms thick. Scientists consider material that thin two-dimensional. Usually, transistors are made with the element silicon. But, the scientists say they used materials that have even better electronic properties. Computer processors, memory chips, TV screens and other electronic devices contains billions of silicon-based transistors. But these very small electrical parts have certain limitations.

Dimitris Ioannou is an electrical engineering professor at George Mason University. He says the traditional transistor has been improved as much as possible. He says researchers want transistors to be see-through and softer than those made with silicon. These new transistors can carry higher current. They also can move the current much faster than traditional transistors. This is important for high-definition screens. Scientists say there is no good method for printing a large number of these new transistors on one base layer of material. But they believe that someday it may be possible.