Chips Under the Microscope: Scientists Develop Technology That Leaves Data Nowhere to Hide
12:42, 23.03.2026
A group of researchers from Australia, the United States, and Germany has introduced a method for monitoring working microchips. The technology makes it possible to analyze processes inside electronic components in real time without disassembling the device.
Principles of the Technology
The development is based on the use of terahertz radiation. Scientists managed to detect the movement of microscopic charges inside diodes and transistors, even when they are enclosed in standard factory packaging. The system can filter out background noise and capture even subtle signals from the active regions of a chip.
A key feature of the method is its safety and high resolution, allowing it to work with modern densely packed chips, something previously considered technically impossible without physically damaging the casing.
Application options
The new technology opens up opportunities in energy, aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, and other fields where it is necessary to verify the integrity and performance of components without disassembling devices.
Experts also warn about potential risks: the ability to observe internal chip processes without hardware protection could create new opportunities for hackers. This may lead to new types of cyberattacks aimed at extracting data directly from semiconductors.