Texas Instruments had recently started production of silicon transistors ( in 1954 ) , and Shockley thought he could do one better .
By this time Shockley had become convinced that the natural capabilities of silicon meant it would eventually replace germanium as the primary material for transistor construction .
Texas Instruments had recently started production of silicon transistors ( in 1954 ) , and Shockley thought Shockley could do one better .
By this time Shockley had become convinced that the natural capabilities of silicon meant it would eventually replace germanium as the primary material for transistor construction .