GaN could be used to ensure the safety of nuclear reactors
Gallium nitride (GaN) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material derived from gallium and nitrogen.
Used in LEDs since the 1990s, it is known for its robust, hexagonal crystal structure and can handle larger electric fields in a compact form factor compared to silicon, enabling faster switching.
Apple’s first GaN charger was for the 16-inch MacBook Pro in 2021, and if you own an iPhone 15, you’re likely using a GaN charger. Measuring conditions inside a reactor
It turns out that GaN could be even more impressive than previously thought. Sensors used to monitor a nuclear reactor’s cooling system typically struggle with accuracy due to radiation. Researchers from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) discovered that combining the sensors with high-performance electronics made from GaN solved the problem.
