Gallium nitride (GaN) is a special material made from gallium and nitrogen that has been used in LEDs for a long time. It has a strong crystal structure and can handle more electricity in a smaller space than silicon, which helps with fast switching. Apple started using GaN chargers with the 16-inch MacBook Pro in 2021, and if you have an iPhone 15, you might be using one too.
Scientists from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) found that GaN can help make sensors in nuclear reactors more accurate. These sensors have trouble working well because of radiation, but when they are combined with high-quality GaN electronics, they work much better. ORNL’s team tested a GaN transistor at The Ohio State University and found that it could still work well near the core of a nuclear reactor. This is a big deal for nuclear plants because it can help them find problems early and prevent the reactor from breaking down.
Normally, sensors in nuclear reactors use electronics made from silicon and long cables, which can make the readings less accurate. By using GaN electronics, the readings are more precise and reliable. ORNL tested GaN transistors by exposing them to high temperatures and radiation doses for three days, and they were able to handle much more radiation than silicon devices.
GaN transistors could be useful in microreactors, which make less power but need strong, small parts. These microreactors could be used in places like military bases or disaster areas. Even though GaN has been around for a while, there are still new ways to use it. By finding new uses for GaN, we can create more demand for it and encourage more research and development in this area.
Overall, GaN is a powerful material that can help improve technology in many ways. It is not just for consumer electronics like iPhones, but it can also be used in important places like nuclear reactors and microreactors. Scientists are still finding new ways to use GaN, so we can expect even more exciting developments in the future.
