Question:

How does helium exposure affect the functionality of iOS devices and what is the recovery process?

This question is based on a real-life incident that occurred during the installation of a new MRI machine in a multi-practice facility. The MRI machine used liquid helium to cool down the super-conducting magnet, and some of the helium gas leaked into the ventilation system and spread throughout the building. As a result, many iOS devices, such as iPhones and Apple Watches, stopped working or malfunctioned. The issue did not affect any Android devices or other sensitive equipment. The original post describing the incident can be found [here].

The question aims to understand the mechanism and the extent of the helium-induced damage on iOS devices, as well as the steps to restore them to normal operation. The question also seeks to verify the findings from the original post, which include:

– The cause of the problem was confirmed to be helium, based on the iPhone and Apple Watch user guide, the MRI vendor, and a controlled experiment.

– The affected iOS devices were iPhone 6 and higher, and Apple Watch Series 0 and higher. Older models, such as iPhone 5, were not impacted.

– The helium interfered with some microelectronic components inside the iOS devices, possibly the MEMS oscillators that drive the clock.

– The iOS devices could be recovered by leaving them unconnected from a charging cable and letting them air out for approximately one week, then plugging them into a power adapter and charging them for up to one hour.

– Some iOS devices had abnormal behavior after the incident, such as service issues or touchscreen problems.

Answer:

How Helium Exposure Affects the Functionality of iOS Devices and What is the Recovery Process?

Helium is a noble gas that is widely used in various industries and applications, such as medical imaging, aerospace, and scientific research. Helium has many unique properties, such as being the second lightest element, having the lowest boiling point, and being inert and non-flammable. However, helium can also have some unexpected and adverse effects on certain electronic devices, especially those that rely on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.

MEMS are tiny devices that combine mechanical and electrical components on a microscopic scale. They can perform various functions, such as sensing, actuating, filtering, and oscillating. MEMS are widely used in modern electronics, such as smartphones, smartwatches, cameras, airbags, and medical devices. One of the most common types of MEMS is the MEMS oscillator, which is a device that generates a stable and precise frequency signal that can be used to drive the clock, the processor, the wireless communication, and other functions of the electronic device. MEMS oscillators are often preferred over traditional quartz crystal oscillators, because they are smaller, cheaper, more reliable, and more resistant to shock and vibration.

MEMS oscillators work by using a thin layer of silicon or other material that vibrates at a specific frequency when an electric current is applied. The vibration is then converted into an electrical signal that can be amplified and processed. However, the vibration of the MEMS layer can be affected by external factors, such as temperature, pressure, and gas molecules. If the vibration is disturbed, the frequency and the quality of the signal can be degraded, resulting in poor performance or malfunction of the electronic device.

How does helium affect MEMS oscillators?

Helium is one of the smallest and lightest gas molecules, and it can easily penetrate through tiny gaps and spaces that other gases cannot. Helium can also diffuse through some solid materials, such as silicon, glass, and metal. When helium enters a MEMS oscillator, it can interfere with the vibration of the MEMS layer, causing it to slow down or stop. This can disrupt the frequency and the signal of the oscillator, and consequently, the functionality of the electronic device.

The effect of helium on MEMS oscillators depends on several factors, such as the concentration of helium, the duration of exposure, the design and the quality of the MEMS oscillator, and the type and the model of the electronic device. Some devices may be more vulnerable or resistant to helium than others, depending on these factors.

What happened in the MRI incident?

In 2018, a Reddit user posted a story about how many iOS devices, such as iPhones and Apple Watches, stopped working or malfunctioned during the installation of a new MRI machine in a multi-practice facility. The MRI machine used liquid helium to cool down the super-conducting magnet, and some of the helium gas leaked into the ventilation system and spread throughout the building. The issue did not affect any Android devices or other sensitive equipment.

The cause of the problem was confirmed to be helium, based on the iPhone and Apple Watch user guide, the MRI vendor, and a controlled experiment. The user guide states that exposing iOS devices to environments having high concentrations of industrial chemicals, including near evaporating liquified gases such as helium, may damage or impair their functionality. The MRI vendor also confirmed that helium was the culprit, and that the leakage was due to a faulty valve that was later fixed. The Reddit user also conducted a test by placing an iPhone in a sealed bag filled with helium, and observed that the phone locked up after a few minutes.

The affected iOS devices were iPhone 6 and higher, and Apple Watch Series 0 and higher. Older models, such as iPhone 5, were not impacted. This suggests that the newer models use MEMS oscillators that are more sensitive to helium than the older models, which may use quartz crystal oscillators or different types of MEMS oscillators. The helium interfered with some microelectronic components inside the iOS devices, possibly the MEMS oscillators that drive the clock. This caused the devices to freeze, lose service, or have touchscreen problems.

How can iOS devices be recovered from helium exposure?

According to the user guide, the iOS devices can be recovered by leaving them unconnected from a charging cable and letting them air out for approximately one week. The helium must fully dissipate from the device, and the device battery should fully discharge in the process. After a week, the device can be plugged into a power adapter and charged for up to one hour. Then the device can be turned on again.

However, this recovery process may not work for all devices, and some devices may be permanently damaged by helium exposure. The Reddit user reported that some iOS devices had abnormal behavior after the incident, such as service issues or touchscreen problems. The user also noted that the recovery time varied depending on the device model and the amount of helium exposure. Some devices recovered faster than others, and some devices did not recover at all.

Conclusion

Helium exposure can affect the functionality of iOS devices and other electronic devices that use MEMS oscillators. Helium can interfere with the vibration of the MEMS layer, causing the frequency and the signal of the oscillator to be disrupted. This can result in poor performance or malfunction of the device. The effect of helium depends on the concentration, the duration, the design, and the quality of the MEMS oscillator, and the type and the model of the electronic device. Some devices may be more vulnerable or resistant to helium than others. iOS devices can be recovered from helium exposure by letting them air out and discharge for a week, and then charging them for an hour. However, this recovery process may not work for all devices, and some devices may be permanently damaged by helium exposure.