IBM Unveils Sub-1 Nanometer Chip Technology

IBM raised the curtain on what it claims is the world's first sub-1 nanometer chip technology, using a novel 'nanostack' transistor architecture that could deliver 50 percent better performance while dramatically reducing power consumption.

The breakthrough involves adding a second layer of silicon circuitry, effectively creating a 'block of flats' design that packs in twice as many transistors as current state-of-the-art chips.

IBM said the technology could scale down to 1 Angstrom, though it will be some time before it is ready for production.

The announcement sent IBM shares surging and represents a significant advance in the race to overcome the physical limits of traditional semiconductor manufacturing.