Electromagnetic Pulses (EMPs) are short bursts of intense electromagnetic energy. In the event one occurs, electronic devices are fried and communications are interrupted. On a scale large enough, power grids could be destroyed for months in an instant. Up until now, there have not been many solutions to defend against such an occurrence and/or attack. At Sandia National Laboratories, scientists have announced their success in creating a tiny device (diode) that blocks out any excess electricity, towards a device, within billionths of a second. The device operates at a record of 6,400 volts, but is only a fraction of the way towards their goal of operating at 20,000 volts. Though, implementation of the device, into current electronics, may be seen promptly in the near future.
What allowed the scientists to successfully create the diode, was the use of gallium nitride. This material is a semiconductor that can sustain high levels of voltage before eroding. With such properties, gallium nitride is a perfect candidate for creating the 20,000 volt diode. The only inhibitor in this process is the need for very thick layers of the material. Creating gallium nitride is achieved through a process called chemical vapor deposition. As scientists continue to improve this production model, they come closer to hitting the right thickness and accuracy of material. It should not be long before we see diodes that can operate at much higher voltages.