USC Researchers Develop Memristor Chip Capable of Withstanding Extreme Heat

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:42:00 +0200

Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed a groundbreaking memristor memory device capable of operating at extremely high temperatures, continuing to function at 700 degrees Celsius, which was the limit of the testing equipment. The memristor, a nanoscale device that can both store data and perform computing tasks, is built from tungsten, a metal with the highest melting point, hafnium oxide ceramic, and a graphene layer. This combination allows it to endure heat levels far beyond conventional electronics. Graphene plays a critical role by preventing tungsten atoms from drifting and causing short circuits, which typically lead to device failure in extreme conditions. Using advanced electron microscopy and quantum-level simulations, researchers confirmed the reliability and repeatability of the device's performance. While the memristor shows exceptional promise for extreme environments, challenges remain for integrating it into complete systems, such as develop