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Testing New Transistors In Space

Posted by samzenpus on from the the-fantastic-transistors dept.

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.'"

3 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Cost of transistors by QuantumG · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    The cost of fabrication plants is just an example of an oligopolistic market at its finest. The high prices maintain the low demand for these machines which allows the oligopolies to maintain their high prices. This results in the high volume requirement: you have to make a lot of chips to cover the cost of the machines you use to do it. That prevents new players from entering the market.

    It's a vicious cycle.

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  2. Re:sand, eh? by kestasjk · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    (Pssst, mods, I'm pretty sure it's a joke)

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  3. Re:Does Roland Split 50/50 With Slashdot? by jacquesm · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I don't know *what* the deal is, but that there is some kind of deal would seem to be the more likely conclusion.

    Maybe they should change ./ into 'rolandp plagiarism inc' ?

    Is there anybody out there that can make a stab at how much he makes from this ?

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