Testing New Transistors In Space

Roland Piquepaille writes "Northwestern University researchers have developed new transistors which are currently tested on the International Space Station (ISS) to see how they react to cosmic radiation. These transistors, which are using a new kind of gate dielectric material called a self-assembled nanodielectric (SAND), are exposed to radiation outside the ISS since March 22, 2008, and will stay there for one year. According to the researchers, these new transistors could be used 'on long space missions since early experiments on Earth indicate that the transistors hold up well when exposed to radiation.'"

Comments

Re:Pff, radiation-proof logic gates already exist

[inasity_rules]

Yeah, because relay's don't wear out and they're just so small, light and fast!! [/sarcasm].

how is this informative? Relays still have many practical uses in electronics, but mostly for switching high currents/voltages at low frewquencies. As practical logic gates, they are fairly useless.

Welcome to the year 2008. There are better ways now.