World's first computer made of carbon nanotubes revealed

Engineers from Stanford University have built the first computer made from carbon nanotubes, opening doors to a new generation of digital devices.

13:16 26 September 2013

Engineers from Stanford University have unveiled the first ever computer in the world that is made from carbon nanotubes.

They hope that the technology breakthrough will open doors to a new generation of digital devices. “Cedric” is a basic prototype that can be developed into a smaller, faster digital device when compared to today’s silicon models.

Co-author Max Shulaker said that Cedric isn’t exactly fast. He explained: "In human terms, Cedric can count on his hands and sort the alphabet. But he is, in the full sense of the word, a computer.”

"There is no limit to the tasks it can perform, given enough memory.” In principle, it can be used to solve any computational problem.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are hollow cylinders made from a single sheet of carbon atoms. They are ideal materials for semiconductor in building transistors because of their exceptional properties. HS Philip Wong, co-author on the study, said: "Think of it as stepping on a garden hose. The thinner the pipe, the easier it is to shut off the flow.”