Computer Chips Exploding for Science 183
Judebert writes "While some may argue that any modern processor without a heat sink already exhibits this behavior, UCSD chemists have discovered that properly doped computer chips are actually explosive. Standard techniques are used, and they function just like normal computer chips.
Better yet, they burn clean, making them ideal for chemical analysis. The article sites other uses, such as micromachine propulsion and military explosives, but I imagine this woudl make for the ultimate in copy protection, as well: "Unauthorized copy detected. This system will self-destruct in 10... 9..."
Science Daily also has a copy."
practical uses (Score:2, Informative)
Energy source? The article said it produced a clean burning flame. Could the reaction be slowed down? Could we produce cheap energy from plentiful silicon?
It isn't that bad.... (Score:4, Informative)
The primary problem with this material is nobody understands it either chemically or physically. We have a list of stuff you can do with it, but no model to predict other effects.
This is pretty cool, though....
Re:Survey method biased (Score:2, Informative)
Re:damn! -Porno popup (Score:1, Informative)
Original Paper (Score:2, Informative)
The abstract is online: Scroll down to 38-41: Explosive Nanocrystalline Porous Silicon and Its Use in Atomic Emission Spectroscopy [wiley.com].
Can't read the full article tho', unless you subscribe...visit your local library and ask for it.