A groundbreaking technology that could be likened to the freeze-ray weapon of Batman’s nemesis, Mr. Freeze, is currently being developed by a professor at the University of Virginia. However, this ‘freeze-ray’ is not intended for villainous purposes but to provide much-needed cooling for spacecraft and high-altitude jet electronics.
Professor Patrick Hopkins, a specialist in mechanical and aerospace engineering, has identified overheating as a primary issue for onboard electronics. He explained that while terrestrial electronics can often be cooled naturally or with the help of liquid cooling systems, the same cannot be said for those in space. The absence of air in space and the upper atmosphere makes it impossible for natural cooling to occur, leading to escalating temperatures in electronic devices.
Recognizing the potential of Professor Hopkins’ research, the U.S. Air Force has granted his ExSiTE Lab (Experiments and Simulations in Thermal Engineering) a generous grant of $750,000 over three years. The funding will facilitate the in-depth study of this freeze-ray technology, with a view to maximizing its potential.
The key to this cooling technology lies in plasma, the fourth state of matter that powers stars and is found abundantly across the universe. Plasma is created when gas is energized, leading to a chemical reaction that releases a flow of photons, ions, and electrons. While plasma is already used in the engines of many Air Force jets to enhance speed and efficiency, Hopkins envisions its use inside the craft to cool electronics.
The professor’s proposed solution involves a robotic arm that responds to temperature changes within the craft. This arm would feature an electrode that targets hot spots with a highly localized plasma jet. Interestingly, when plasma comes into contact with a surface, it initially cools before heating up – a characteristic that seemingly defies the second law of thermodynamics.
This unexpected property was discovered by Hopkins and his collaborator Scott Walton from the U.S. Navy Research Laboratory before the pandemic. Using custom-made microscopic instruments capable of recording specialized heat registries, they observed a gold-plated surface cooling before heating up when struck by a jet of plasma generated from helium.
The researchers concluded that the initial cooling was due to the plasma blasting off an ultrathin layer composed of carbon and water molecules from the surface. This process is similar to how our skin feels cool when water evaporates off it after swimming.
The freeze-ray technology could potentially revolutionize how we manage heat in electronics, particularly in high-altitude jets and spacecrafts where traditional cooling methods are ineffective. This could pave the way for more efficient and reliable spacecraft and military craft operations.
The development of this technology also highlights how advancements in fields like electronics, robotics, and programming can have unexpected applications in other sectors. For instance, coding and the development of libraries that facilitate robotic development play a vital role in programming the robotic arm to respond accurately to temperature changes.
In conclusion, Professor Hopkins’ development of freeze-ray technology is not only an exciting scientific breakthrough but also a potential game-changer for the electronics industry. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration and high-altitude flights, innovative solutions like these will be crucial in ensuring the reliability and longevity of our electronic systems.