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Computer Chips Exploding for Science

Posted by chrisd on from the signal-nine-is-so-much-more-appropriate-now dept.

Judebert writes "While some may argue that any modern processor without a heat sink already exhibits this behavior, UCSD chemists have discovered that properly doped computer chips are actually explosive. Standard techniques are used, and they function just like normal computer chips. Better yet, they burn clean, making them ideal for chemical analysis. The article sites other uses, such as micromachine propulsion and military explosives, but I imagine this woudl make for the ultimate in copy protection, as well: "Unauthorized copy detected. This system will self-destruct in 10... 9..." Science Daily also has a copy."

5 of 183 comments (clear)

  1. practical uses by xah · · Score: 2, Informative
    Military agencies can put a "blasting cap" on microchips that will be going into hostile territory. For example, a computer on board an attack airplane. If the airplane is ever downed in enemy territory, a remote electronic signal can be transmitted to light up all the silicon on the plane. As long as there is enough back-up battery charge to send the right voltage, there would be no need to send in a second plane or commando group to destroy the sensitive, grounded plane.

    Energy source? The article said it produced a clean burning flame. Could the reaction be slowed down? Could we produce cheap energy from plentiful silicon?

    --
    I am not a lawyer. Do not take my words as legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult an attorney.
  2. It isn't that bad.... by necama · · Score: 4, Informative

    The silicon that they're talking about here is porous silicon, which has properties that are massively different than the bulk crystal. Current study on the material has found that it is an excellent emitter of both light and electrons.

    The primary problem with this material is nobody understands it either chemically or physically. We have a list of stuff you can do with it, but no model to predict other effects.

    This is pretty cool, though....

  3. Re:Survey method biased by jorbettis · · Score: 2, Informative

    That's silicone, the polymer, not silicon, the metalloid.

    --

    Jordan Bettis

    ``Wherever you go, there's another stupid sigfile quote.''
  4. Re:damn! -Porno popup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    So what's the porno popup got to do with this topic??

  5. Original Paper by diegoq · · Score: 2, Informative

    You can read the original paper in Jan 2002 Advanced Materials.

    The abstract is online: Scroll down to 38-41: Explosive Nanocrystalline Porous Silicon and Its Use in Atomic Emission Spectroscopy.
    Can't read the full article tho', unless you subscribe...visit your local library and ask for it.

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    --Tim