Two Russian-born scientists shared the Nobel Prize in physics for groundbreaking experiments with the strongest and thinnest material known to mankind - a potential building block for faster computers and lighter airplanes and satellites.


Experiments with graphene could lead to the development of new super-strong and lightweight materials with which to make satellites, aircraft and cars, the academy said in announcing the $1.5 million award.

The unique properties of the transparent material could also spur the development of innovative electronics, including transparent touch-screens and more efficient computers and solar cells, although no commercial products have been created yet.

"It has all the potential to change your life in the same way that plastics did," Geim said Tuesday. "It is really exciting."


Novoselov is the youngest winner since 1973 of a prize that normally goes to scientists with decades of experience. The youngest Nobel laureate is Lawrence Bragg, who was 25 when he shared the physics award with his father, William Bragg, in 1915.

"It's a shock," Novoselov said. "I started my day chatting over Skype over new developments - it was quite unexpected."



"It's a humble technique. But the hard work came later," Geim said.


"In this age of complexity, with machines like the supercollider, they managed to get the Nobel using Scotch tape," Radaelli said.

Phillip Schewe, spokesman for the American Institute of Physics in College Park, Md., said the Nobel to Geim and Novoselov was well-deserved.
