Quantum Materials Find May Boost Extreme Electronics
University of Arizona researchers have developed graphene nanoribbon sensors capable of withstanding extreme radiation environments. This breakthrough could enable better monitoring of fusion reactor cores and deep space equipment.
Why it matters
Advancements in radiation-hardened electronics are essential for the development of viable fusion energy and long-term space exploration.
TUCSON, Ariz. - University of Arizona researchers have demonstrated a promising new application for graphene nanoribbons, a nanoscale semiconductor material with the potential to withstand extreme environments. The team's findings could help clear a key hurdle to bringing fusion energy to the electric grid.
For the proof-of-concept study , published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, the researchers integrated the nanoribbons, known as GNRs, into semiconductor devices and exposed them to gamma radiation. Their results suggest that the ribbons could serve as radiation sensors for fusion reactors and in deep space, where intense radiation challenges existing technologies and close monitoring of material degradation could help keep critical systems operating reliably.
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