A team from KAUST University has demonstrated that gallium oxide semiconductors maintain their conductivity even at temperatures lower than those of outer space. While traditional semiconductors fail due to electron freezing below 100 degrees Kelvin, this material opens new possibilities for quantum computing and space exploration.
How gallium oxide overcomes the extreme cold limit 🧊
The phenomenon of freezing in conventional semiconductors occurs when electrons become trapped in impurities and stop conducting. Gallium oxide, with its wide bandgap and high thermal stability, maintains electronic mobility even at cryogenic temperatures. This allows for designing devices that operate in environments such as the surface of icy moons or in quantum cooling systems without malfunctions.
Space is no longer an excuse for your phone to shut down 📱
If your smartphone freezes every winter when you leave the house, you might want to wait for gallium oxide to arrive. According to the study, these semiconductors work where even astronauts would freeze. So, if you plan to move to Pluto or simply forget your coat in the fridge, this material could save your internet connection. Although for my home WiFi, not even gallium oxide works.