The Single Atom Transistor -
small Component, big Effect

The research team led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Schimmel, physicist and expert in nanotechnology at the Institute of Applied Physics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has developed and patented what is probably the world’s smallest transistor.

Unlike traditional transistors, this one works without semiconductors such as silicon, but with the targeted switching of a single atom. This enables a very low electrical voltage and extremely low power consumption. Another special feature is that the single atom transistor works at room temperature and does not need to be cooled. In addition, the transistor consists only of metal, which reduces dependence on raw materials and semiconductors.

SAT pursues
three Core Ereas

Research & Development

In this phase, the team is developing ideas to further optimize the single atom transistor. New approaches to hardware-driven information technology are also being pursued here, and new methods of lithography, contacting, patterning and passivation are being developed. There is extensive know-how and groundwork that can be built upon. Ideas are consistently patented and licensed.

Implementation

The implementation area includes investment and licensing discussions as well as market and competition monitoring. The single atom transistors are to be designed and manufactured solely by key players in the electronics industry, with whom we intend to enter into strategic partnerships.

Research

Prof. Dr. Thomas Schimmel’s team continues to research exciting projects in (quantum) electronics and beyond. A few years ago, for example, the collaboration with the KIT research group resulted in the promising ACT Aircoating Technologies project, which uses air-holding surface coating to significantly reduce the frictional resistance of ships in the water and thus energy consumption and emissions.

Market

Dependent on Computer Chips
from the Rest of the World

Milestones

The Path to a Technology
that protects our Environment

2000

Start of research on single atom transistor technology

2004

Application for German patent

2012

Application for US patent

2021

Foundation of the Center for Single Atom Electronics and Photonics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

2022

Foundation of SAT Single Atom Technologies GmbH and cooperation with the Patentpool Group

2023

Start of cooperation and licensing talks with big players in the electronics industry

from 2030

Expected start of production at big players in the electronics industry

from 2030

Important step towards environmental protection

Partner

These Partners make
our Technology possible

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Karlsruhe, Germany

Patentpool Group

Munich, Germany

ETH Zürich

Zurich, Switzerland

Werner-Siemens-Stiftung

Zug, Switzerland

FAQ

Questions and Answers

Ready to change
the world?
Contact us

Single Atom Technologies GmbH
Zirkel 11, 76133 Karlsruhe

+49 (0) 89 228029-88
kontakt@patentpool.de

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