Beijing Outpaces Washington in Military-Game-Changing Technologies
Chinese Scientists Achieve Breakthrough in Gallium Nitride Manufacturing
Chinese scientists have successfully controlled the manufacturing process of a material called gallium nitride (GaN) without defects. This achievement follows their discovery of the main cause of defects in GaN crystals, potentially allowing them to produce high-quality and cost-effective electronic chips based on this material.
Gallium nitride surpasses silicon, the conventional material used in electronic chips, as it can operate under extreme conditions. It withstands higher voltages, faster frequencies, and significantly higher temperatures than silicon, making it a cornerstone for advanced radar systems, 5G networks, and modern electronic warfare technologies.
China currently controls 98% of global gallium production and recently banned its export to the United States, causing a surge in prices for GaN-based chips and making it more difficult and expensive for the U.S. to acquire them.
Following their recent breakthrough in eliminating GaN defects, Chinese scientists may soon produce high-quality electronic chips at lower costs, a development that could raise concerns among Pentagon officials, who fear losing America’s military superiority.
