Unless the chip is: 1) on a voyage outside our atmosphere
or 2) on a ceramic substrate foolishly made from clay not tested for the presence of radioactive impurities, it is highly unlikely an alpha particle, regardless of its diet and lack of exercise, will make it to a chip. Those of terrestrial origin, other than in the substrate, will not make it through the case. Cosmic rays alphas will not make it through the atmosphere. On the other hand, the secondary shower of muons can only be shielded by copious quantities of hard rock (musicians need not apply). Reines et al did their neutrino work in deep mines just to filter out anything but neutrinos. nit-picking pup starting Friday early http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_rays is a place to start IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@BAMA.UA.EDU> wrote on 01/18/2007 05:55:21 PM: > bit or two but a few overweight alpha particles can do wonderous things. > And they strike without warning. ----------------------------------------- The information contained in this communication (including any attachments hereto) is confidential and is intended solely for the personal and confidential use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. The information may also constitute a legally privileged confidential communication. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, dissemination, copying, or unauthorized use of this information, or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message. Thank you ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html
