1
$\begingroup$

The first working point-contact transistor made in 1947 by Bell Labs. I'm looking for specific dimensions, all I've been able to find is "Fits in the palm of your hand".

$\endgroup$
1

1 Answer 1

4
$\begingroup$

From "The Transistor, A Semi-Conductor Triode", by J. Bardeen and W. H. Brattain, Phys Rev. 74(2), 230-231 (1948):

"The device consists of three electrodes placed on a block of germanium as shown schematically in Fig. 1. Two, called the emitter and collector, are of the point-contact rectifier type and are placed in close proximity (separation ~0.005 to 0.025 cm) on the upper surface. The third is a large area low resistance contact on the base."

So, the actual device was much smaller than your (or my) palm. Now, the support for the device was probably bigger. Sze's book had a picture of the device on the cover long ago - not sure about new editions.

enter image description here

(Replica of the first transistor)

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ I've added an image, fell free to revert. $\endgroup$
    – jinawee
    Mar 28, 2014 at 20:30
  • $\begingroup$ Looks great - thanks for the picture. As usual, the packaging is bigger than the actual device... $\endgroup$
    – Jon Custer
    Mar 28, 2014 at 23:14

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.