By: Jose Carranza
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) —The University of Arkansas Electrical Engineering Department received a $17.87 million award from the National Science Foundation.
Those involved in the project include lead Dr. Alan Mantooth, physics professor Greg Salamo, electrical engineering professor Zhong Chen, business and operations manager Shannon Davis, and X-FAB director John Ransom.
Dr. Mantooth says this is the second time the proposal has been made to the National Science Foundation, yet after receiving consultation then, they redid their proposal to receive the award.
The fabrication and research facility will work with Silicon Carbide. Silicon Carbide is a semiconductor suited for higher voltages, temperatures and faster voltage switches.
Graduate student Kevin Chen currently researches Silicon Carbide in the engineering department. “Silicon Carbide is supposed to be the next generation material able to withstand those higher voltages higher temperatures where silicon could handle it,” said Chen
“Bottom line is I can build electronics that can go into places that I could never send silicon electronics,” said Mantooth.
The semiconductor has been studied for a long time but hasn’t been fully developed due to shortages.
The facility will be the first of its kind, providing a space for prototyping and fabrication. Other facilities in the U.S. have only been for internal use, whereas the University plans to let external researchers come and go.
“We’re that one off specialized prototyping but low volume prototyping place where all of these research ideas could be unleashed,” said Mantooth.
The facility will also provide students with a learning experience as they go through all stages of Integrated Circuit production. Previously, students could present ideas but would have to travel overseas for other fabrication facilities to receive more hands-on experience.
“This can open a lot of doors for students when it comes to current experience up-to-date research experience and honestly it’s just a unique thing,” said Chen.