China introduces a new compact chip for radiation detection, seeking semiconductor autonomy.
A new chip operates with just one milliwatt of energy.
The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), a state-owned enterprise in the nuclear sector, has announced the development of an innovative chip for radiation detection. This new device is compact, measuring just 15 mm x 15 mm x 3 mm, and consumes only 1 milliwatt during operation.
According to information provided by CNNC through its official WeChat channel, the chip is capable of monitoring radiation doses in a wide variety of environments, adapting to different situations including nuclear workplaces, personnel monitoring, and environmental safety audits. Specifically, it can measure dose rates ranging from 100 nanoSieverts (nSv) per hour to 10 milliSieverts (mSv) per hour, thus covering from natural background radiation, which typically ranges from 60 to 200 nSv/h, to more specific industrial scenarios.
In addition to its versatility, the chip can detect radiation energies ranging from 50 kiloelectron volts (keV) to 2 mega-electron volts (MeV), encompassing both X-rays and gamma rays. This makes it useful for sectors such as healthcare, nuclear energy, and environmental monitoring. Despite its small size, its sensitivity is comparable to that of traditional Geiger-Muller counters, which are commonly used for measuring environmental radiation.
CNNC has begun mass production of this chip, marking a significant milestone in China's technological strategy to advance radiation detection applications. This development is also part of the country's broader efforts to strengthen its autonomy in technology and overcome trade restrictions imposed by the United States, especially in the semiconductor sector.
During a visit to the city of Hefei, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency in technological development, stating that "high-tech development cannot be begged for; we must accelerate the realization of high-level technological self-sufficiency and self-improvement."
CNNC anticipates that this chip will find applications beyond the industrial realm, such as its integration into consumer devices, including smartphones and drones. This would enable smart devices to offer real-time radiation detection, opening new possibilities for consumer and environmental safety.
The chip's development process encompassed the entire semiconductor production cycle, which includes chip design, production, packaging, and testing. Although mass production has been delegated to "authorized factories," details about the involved partners have not been disclosed.
