Scientists create electronic devices that function reliably at extreme temperatures from 500 degrees Celcuis to absolute zero — advanced semiconductor material unlocks new possibilities in space tech and quantum computing
Scientists at KAUST have developed electronic devices using beta-gallium oxide that function reliably from near absolute zero to 500°C. By heavily doping the material with silicon, they enabled electron conduction at cryogenic temperatures where conventional semiconductors fail. The devices, including a fin field-effect transistor and an inverter, could advance applications in space technology and quantum computing. This marks the first use of an ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor in transistors and logic circuits operating at such extreme cold.
- ▪The devices operate reliably from 2K (-271.1°C) to 500°C (932°F), covering nearly the full range from absolute zero to extreme heat.
- ▪Beta-gallium oxide’s ultra-wide bandgap prevents electrical leakage and instability at high temperatures.
- ▪Silicon doping allows electrons to 'hop' through impurity bands, maintaining conduction at cryogenic temperatures without relying on thermal energy.
- ▪The team demonstrated a fin field-effect transistor and a logic inverter, both functioning across the extreme temperature range.
- ▪Potential applications include space probes, satellites, and quantum computing systems requiring minimal thermal management.
Full article excerpt tap to expand
Tech Industry Scientists create electronic devices that function reliably at extreme temperatures from 500 degrees Celcuis to absolute zero — advanced semiconductor material unlocks new possibilities in space tech and quantum computing News By Etiido Uko published 28 April 2026 The technology has massive potential in space technology and quantum computing When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Beta-gallium-oxide-based electronics can withstand both temperature extremes (Image credit: Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 1 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Scientists at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia have created electronic devices that continue to function perfectly in both extreme cold and extreme heat. In a press release on Monday, the researchers said their devices, made of gallium oxide, can withstand temperatures ranging from near absolute zero to 500°C (932°F).For context, every component in the device you are reading this on would likely fail before 200°C (392°F).The devices could have far-reaching applications across space applications where extreme temperature swings are the norm.Most conventional electronic systems, from chips to sensors and circuits, use silicon semiconductors; some powerful and high-frequency devices use gallium nitride and silicon carbide. For these materials to conduct electricity, electrons must have enough energy to move into available conducting bands, where they can travel through the material, generating an electric current.Article continues below You may like China develops new ultra-cold alloy that can reach -273°C without helium Researchers build atom-thin 2D thermometers that can be embedded directly in processors Researchers reach superconductivity at ambient pressure, record high temperature At extremely low temperatures, electrons lose the thermal energy required to move, becoming trapped — a phenomenon known as freeze-out.“In practice, most conventional electronics start to fail as you go below about 100 K (−173°C/343.4°F),” explained Vishal Khandelwal, a former Ph.D. student of Xiaohang Li’s and the leader of the research team.Because conventional electronics behave unpredictability at cryogenic temperatures, systems used in environments such as deep space and quantum computing often require specialized electronics and elaborate thermal management systems, adding cost, bulk, and complexity.On the other end of the spectrum, as temperatures rise, electrons gain increasing amounts of thermal energy. In conventional semiconductors, this excess energy can excite large numbers of electrons into the conduction band uncontrollably, even when the device is meant to remain in an ‘off’ state. The resulting surge in unwanted charge carriers leads to electrical leakage, unstable switching behavior, overheating, and eventual device failure. window.sliceComponents = window.sliceComponents || {}; externalsScriptLoaded.then(() => { window.reliablePageLoad.then(() => { var componentContainer = document.querySelector("#slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-LWAuVX8JLPE2R6JUYW6YnS"); if (componentContainer) { var data = {"layout":"inbodyContent","header":"Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter","tagline":"Get Tom's Hardware's best news…
This excerpt is published under fair use for community discussion. Read the full article at Tom's Hardware.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Tom's Hardware
