Swedish research about wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors is well established and leading. Component technology based on WBG materials such as GaN and SiC has shown superior performance compared to silicon technology. Next step in the WBG technology development is to take full advantage of its unique electrical and material properties.
Research is therefore focused on enabling the use of WBG components at very high temperatures (above 500 C) and in harsh environments, opening up for applications in for example aircraft electronics, hybrid vehicles, spacecrafts, oil- and gas extraction. In a new project at the division of solid state electronics we will do research about several of the critical issues that have to be overcome in order to enable WBG technology at high temperatures and harsh environments.
The research is carried out in collaboration with other universities (KTH and Chalmers) and includes several steps, from manufacturing of processed components to packaging and testing. Specific subjects that will be the focus of the PhD project are studies of metallization systems compatible with both process technology and high temperatures, studies of dielectric insulators, and methods for encapsulation of components. A large part of the research will take place in the advanced clean-room laboratory.
