China Says Military-Grade Infrared Chips Could Cost 99% Less
Briefly

China Says Military-Grade Infrared Chips Could Cost 99% Less
"Xidian University stated that the new manufacturing method could reduce costs to 'one-hundredth to one-tenth' of current designs, indicating a potential price drop from 100 to between 1 and 10 dollars."
"The researcher noted that the approach could achieve a 'theoretical cost reduction of up to 99%' compared with existing infrared chips, potentially lowering prices to just a few dozen US dollars."
"'This means we can use the same methods and cost base as manufacturing mobile phone chips to manufacture the previously exorbitantly priced short-wave infrared detectors,' explained Wang Liming, a core team member."
A Chinese research team from Xidian University has developed a new manufacturing approach for infrared chips that could significantly reduce costs. By using silicon-germanium materials compatible with standard semiconductor processes, the team claims costs could drop to between 1 and 10 percent of current prices. This breakthrough could lead to safer self-driving systems, better factory inspection tools, and improved smartphone cameras. Mass production is expected by the end of 2026, making these technologies more accessible for everyday use.
Read at TechRepublic
Unable to calculate read time
[
|
]