Here we report the observation of a linear carbon-atom chain, synthesized using an arc discharge from a graphite double anode. We use high-resolution TEM to evidence the formation of a carbon-atom chain along the axis of a needlelike structure consisting of concentric cylindrical graphitic shells. The atomic chain in the core of the innermost cylinder, by calculations on the basis of van der Waals interactions, demonstrates an extremely high thermal stability ͑up to 4200 K͒ and exhibits high mechanical strains.

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