Low temperature electronics

Low temperature operation is being studied for electronic circuits and systems to improve speed, reduce noise and increase reliability. Reduced temperature operation results in improved performance from material related properties such as increased thermal and electrical conductivity and increased carrier mobility. These improvements are translated into increased circuit speed, higher packing density and reduced power dissipation. Since most degradation mechanisms are thermally activated it is expected that reliability will be improved at low temperatures. Operation of circuits immersed in liquid nitrogen seems attractive, but for optimum performance the devices must be designed for that particular temperature.