Germanium transistors: logic circuits in the IBM 1401 computer

From what i have read, with my limited understanding of chipmaking, it seems that UO2(Uranium dioxide) makes a great heat and radiation resistant semiconductor with better properties than silicon or germanium[1]. So how come we arent using that or exploring other materials for pushing the limits of computational power?<p>[1]: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;citeseerx.ist.psu.edu&#x2F;viewdoc&#x2F;download?doi=10.1.1.522.5718&amp;rep=rep1&amp;type=pdf" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;citeseerx.ist.psu.edu&#x2F;viewdoc&#x2F;download?doi=10.1.1.52...</a>

Not specifically about the 1401, but where do you find the time to produce this volume of high-quality content that obviously takes a ton of work and research?

Neat!<p>NOS germanium transistors are still highly sought after(and therefore expensive) for music gear such as guitar distortion pedals and pre-amps. They impart a lovely ‘gooey’ quality that modern transistors just can’t do.

Author here for your IBM 1401 questions :-)

Funny, I was just over on ibm1130.org the other day - so the ALD diagram jumped right out.<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;media.ibm1130.org&#x2F;1132_Printer_ALD_Jun67.pdf" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;media.ibm1130.org&#x2F;1132_Printer_ALD_Jun67.pdf</a>