Self healing electronics extend camera life in harsh radiation, enabling clearer images from space missions and enhancing satellite durability.

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IEEE Spectrum

Researchers have developed a self-healing CMOS imager designed to survive extreme radiation environments like Jupiter's orbit. The 128x128 pixel prototype detects radiation-damaged 'hot' pixels by performing shuttered readouts, then heals them by applying targeted heat via strong current pulses — a process called annealing. Digital logic errors can be similarly repaired. The chip also performs region-of-interest compression, cutting data output by ~75%. Testing with a 20 kilogram radiation dose (equivalent to 30 days near Jupiter) showed dark current increased 181x, but four healing cycles restored nearly full image quality. The approach complements existing radiation-hardening methods like shielding and wide-bandgap materials, requiring less chip area than competing techniques. Potential applications include deep-space probes and Earth-orbiting satellites.

Self Healing Electronics Combat Space Radiation