Turning potential into realities: the invention of the integrated circuit (Nobel lecture).

The integrated circuit, "the chip", led to microelectronics growing to become the basis of all modern technology, from powerful computers and processors, spaceprobes and medical diagnostic equipment through to washing machines and cars. The chip has also led to our environment being flooded with small electronic devices, such as electronic watches and TV games. Here, the background and first steps in its development are described by its Nobel prize winning inventor.