Molecular transistor. Coloured atomic force micro- graph (AFM) of a transistor on the molecule scale. It consists of electrodes (yellow) created by electron beam lithography (EBL) linked with a carbon nanotube. EBL uses an electron beam to etch structures onto a surface. Transistors control current in electronic circuits. Their miniaturis- ation has led to faster and faster computers. Atomic force microscopy is a technique used for studying surfaces at an atomic level. A thin probe is moved over the surface, and its movements as it follows the contours are used to create an image. Magnification: x35,000 at 6x6cm size.