Space is unforgiving for electronics. Once beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field, the satellite is bombarded with cosmic rays and high-energy particles, slowly chipping away at its delicate circuitry.

Over time, these invisible attacks can corrupt data, damage components, and shorten the lifespan of a spacecraft. To overcome this challenge, engineers typically add heavy shields, but that extra weight increases launch costs and limits the amount that can be carried on a mission.

Now, a team of researchers from Fudan University has come up with an interesting solution to this problem. They build their electronics out of materials so thin and durable that they are unlikely to be damaged by radiation in the first place.

when tested, atomically thin Not only can the communication system survive for months in orbit, it is predicted to last for centuries in even harsher space environments.

Creating electronics from a single atomic layer

The researchers used molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). This is a compound that can be made just atomic layers thick (about 0.7 nanometers). At that scale, there is very little material that the incoming radiation can damage.

In theory, high-energy particles could pass through such thin sheets without creating defects that would cause conventional sheets to malfunction. silicon chip.

To make this idea practical, the team first grew large, uniform sheets of single-layer MoS₂ on 4-inch wafers. From this wafer, transistors, the basic building blocks of electronic circuits, were manufactured.

These transistors were assembled into a fully operational radio frequency (RF) communications system operating at 12 to 18 gigahertz. More importantly, the system includes both a transmitter and a receiver, allowing it to send and receive signals just like those used on real satellites.

“Based on a 4-inch wafer-scale single-layer 2D MoS₂ “In this process, we implement an atomic layer transistor-based radiation-hardened radio frequency (RF, 12-18 GHz) system with both transmitter and receiver for space communications,” the study authors said.

Test the system under real conditions

Before sending anything into space, the researchers stress-tested circuits on Earth. They exposed the device to powerful gamma rays to simulate what the electronics would experience in orbit. The material was then closely inspected using advanced imaging tools.

Transmission electron microscopy made it possible to observe the atomic structure. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy was used to determine whether the chemical composition had changed. Raman spectroscopy Multiple points on the film were scanned to detect structural damage.

The results were amazing. The atomically thin layer showed no obvious signs of structural or chemical deterioration. Electrically, the device performed almost the same as before irradiation. They maintain very high on-off ratios, have little current leakage, and consume very little power. This is an important feature for energy-limited spacecraft.

The ultimate test came in space. The team launched the MoS₂-based communications system into low orbit at an altitude of about 517 kilometers. For 9 months, this equipment operated in the following environment: Harsh radiation environment in space.

“Remarkably, the system maintained a transmitted data bit error rate (BER) of less than 10-8 after nine months of in-orbit operation, indicating considerable radiation tolerance and long-term stability,” the study authors said.

As a demonstration, the system successfully transmitted and received the complete Fudan University national anthem with perfect clarity.

Furthermore, based on radiation data collected in orbit and models of the space environment, the researchers estimate that the system could survive 271 years in geostationary orbit, where radiation levels are much higher than in low Earth orbit.

The future of ultrathin atomic electronics

If these results hold up for future missions, atomically thin electronics could transform spacecraft design. Instead of relying on bulky shields, satellites can use inherently radiation-resistant circuitry.

This reduces weight, lowers launch costs, and frees up space for scientific instruments and communications payloads. The lifespan of electronic devices can be extended by increasing their lifespan. Lifespan of artificial satellites and deep space probesHigh Orbit Communication Platform.

However, challenges remain. For example, while current systems demonstrate radio frequency communications, the overall spacecraft electronics includes many other components, such as processors, memory systems, and power management units.

Scaling up production, integrating MoS₂ with existing technology, and proving reliability over longer missions are key next steps.

of study Published in a magazine nature.