Quantum Materials Discovery Could Advance Electronics For Extreme Environments

University of Arizona researchers demonstrated that graphene nanoribbons can survive gamma radiation while producing measurable electrical changes, suggesting they could serve as radiation sensors for fusion reactors and space systems. The proof-of-concept study found that gamma radiation altered the nanoribbons’ electrical behavior without damaging their atomic structure, potentially enabling real-time monitoring of radiation damage closer to a fusion reactor core than current silicon-based sensors can operate. The researchers plan to test the devices under different radiation doses and nanoribbon designs to determine whether the material’s sensitivity can be tailored for applications ranging from fusion energy to long-duration space missions. Image:…