The Extremes of Cleanliness - Death by Clean Water
clean water
Did you know that the thickness of our hair is 100 microns, while a single pore on our skin measures only 30 microns?
Yes, these dimensions are unbelievably small! To put it into perspective, a bacterium from the environment is just 3 microns.
However, the size of a transistor in the semiconductor chips we make is even smaller, less than one micron - about 1/1000th the width of a human hair.
If we placed fourteen thousand transistors together, they would be as thick as our hair.
The Cleanliness Challenge
Creating such small semiconductor chips presents many challenges, one of which is cleanliness.
During its fabrication, even a speck of dust is unacceptable. A particle falling on the board is equivalent to Mount Everest falling on a city. Those working in this field have to prepare daily for entry into the cleanroom. |
| circuit board & processor |
One method involves taking a shower, wearing special clothing, and entering the area. It is so sensitive that even soap is not used, as the molecules from its scent can disrupt the delicate system.
Protecting the Environment from Ourselves
Here, an interesting paradox of cleanliness arises. Our cleanliness and clothing protect us from the environment and diseases, but in this case, our cleanliness and clothing are to protect the environment from us.
Our falling hair, dead skin cells, exhaled breath with vapors, and body moisture make us a source of contamination and pollution for this environment.
To maintain the pristine environment required for chip manufacturing, strict protocols are followed.
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| Clean Rooms |
The Magic of Ultra-Pure Water
For the production of these semiconductor chips, a considerable amount of water is needed. And not just any water - it must be ultra-pure!
The water we typically encounter contains impurities and germs, but here, it undergoes a rigorous purification process. In 2015, Intel used nine billion gallons of water.
How clean is this water?
The resulting ultra-pure water is so clean that it can be dangerous if consumed directly. It tastes bitter and heavy because the pleasant taste of water we enjoy comes from dissolved salts and minerals.
Ultra-pure water is an excellent solvent, and when it enters the body, it starts dissolving valuable minerals, Just a few glasses of this water are enough to cause harm. |
| ultra pure water |
Purifying Water to Perfection
To make this water safe for use, chlorine is added, and we learned the method to purify harmful water not too long ago. Now, we have become capable of purifying water to an extent where it can become fatal for us.
These reverse scales of cleanliness are present in every semiconductor manufacturing facility and are an integral part.
In today's digital world, without these, it would not have been possible to have the device in your hand on which you are reading this post.
In 1961, the cost of one transistor was around 300 rupees in today's terms. Now, a board with a billion transistors can be obtained for 20 rupees.
For Students
Que: What happens if you drink unpurified water? Ans: Unpurified water may contain harmful contaminants and pathogens, leading to various waterborne illnesses and health risks. The importance of clean water cannot be overstated, and the meticulous purification processes ensure our safety and well-being.
Que: What happens if you drink ultra-pure water?" Ans: The resulting ultra-pure water is so clean that it can be dangerous if consumed directly. It tastes bitter and heavy because the pleasant taste of water we enjoy comes from dissolved salts and minerals. Ultra-pure water is an excellent solvent, and when it enters the body, it starts dissolving valuable minerals, which can have harmful effects.
Que: Is it safe to drink pure H2O?" and "Is 100% pure water dangerous?" Ans: Pure H2O, in its 100% pure form, can indeed be dangerous to consume directly due to its lack of essential minerals.
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