AI computers can run in harsh environments like Venus

The ultra-high heat-resistant computer storage can operate at Venus-like temperatures and could be used in extreme conditions such as nuclear plants and even for future NASA missions.

New computer storage that can operate at temperatures so hot that rocks begin to melt could pave the way for computers to operate in the harsh environment on Venus.

The computer storage device is made from ferroelectric scandium nitride aluminum, which can withstand extreme temperatures. (Photo: University of Pennsylvania).

Today's most durable non-volatile memory (NVM) devices include hard drives (SSDs) that can fail when temperatures reach 300 degrees Celsius. However, scientists have created and tested a ferroelectric diode (a semiconductor switching device) continues to operate for many hours even when the temperature is increased to 600 degrees Celsius.

This means that sensors and computing devices that use diodes can be placed in harsh environments – such as nuclear plants, deep-seated oil and gas exploration or the hottest planets. in our solar system, where previously they could fail within seconds.

The NVM device is made of a material called ferroelectric aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN). It is at the cutting edge of materials science and has only emerged as an option for high-performance semiconductors in the past five years.

Here, the device is based on an AlScN diode with a thickness of 45 nanometers that is 1,800 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

Scientists are using aluminum scandium nitride to develop computers that work on extremely hot planets like Venus. (Photo: SCIEPRO).

Dhiren Pradhan, a postdoctoral researcher in electrical and systems engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, said that one of the team's most notable findings is that the devices can handle one million read cycles. and maintaining a stable on-off ratio for over six hours, this result is unprecedented.

This work builds on existing research into semiconductors that can also operate in extreme temperatures. Add this memory, scientists say, and you'll have a computer that can work almost anywhere.

Deep Jariwala, associate professor of electrical and systems engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, said: "This is not just about improving equipment but also about creating new advances in science and technology."

In particular, scientists say, a new era of silicon-free computing devices may emerge that integrate memory and processing closer together for data-intensive tasks such as artificial intelligence. create (AI).

Scientists believe that the new approach - combining heat-resistant memory and processors together - could eventually lead to AI processing in harsh conditions on other planets.