Why does radiation sometimes make electronics explode? (IMAGE)
Caption
Researchers have solved a longstanding physics puzzle, explaining why electronic devices can fail catastrophically when exposed to radiation in what is called single-event burnout (SEB). Their findings may hold the key to engineering new electronics that can better withstand extreme environments, with applications ranging from nuclear energy to space exploration. The optical microscope images shown here are of an irradiated diode before and after an SEB event, showing the catastrophic damage inflicted by a single energetic particle.
Credit
Cristyan Quiñones, NC State University
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