Electronic & Semiconductor Research
Electronic and semiconductor research is a broad field that encompasses the study of materials, devices, and circuits that use electrons and photons to process information and transmit energy. Semiconductor devices are the building blocks of modern electronics, and they are used in everything from computers and smartphones to cars and medical devices. They are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator and are essential components of modern electronics, including transistors, sensors, solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and integrated circuits.
Electronic and semiconductor research is focused on developing new technologies for computing, communication, and energy. Researchers are working to develop new semiconductor materials with improved properties, such as higher efficiency, faster switching speeds, and lower power consumption. They are also developing new device architectures and circuit designs to enable new applications.
Electronic and semiconductor research is essential for the continued development of new and innovative electronic products. By developing new materials, devices, and circuits, researchers are helping to make electronics smaller, faster, cheaper, and more energy efficient. The United Kingdom and Europe have a strong record of progress in electronic and semiconductor research. Institutes involved in this research field include:
- UK: Cambridge University’s Centre for Gallium Nitride, Oxford University, Imperial College London, University of Manchester (home to the National Graphene Institute), Swansea University Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials, University of Glasgow, University of Southampton Zepler Institute, Cardiff University Institute for Compound Semiconductors, and University of Sheffield Semiconductor Materials & Devices Group.
- Europe: IMEC (Belgium), EPFL (Switzerland), CEA-Leti (France), Aalborg (Denmark), Warsaw University of Technology (Poland), Fraunhofer IISB (Germany), TU Delft (Netherlands), TU Munchen (Germany), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), Chalmers University (Sweden), and KIT (Germany)
Due to significant investment and world-class research institutions, the UK and Europe electronic and semiconductor research landscape is strong. PI-KEM, with a wide portfolio of equipment and advanced materials, a dedicated Materials Team, and a commitment to collaborative research projects, are here to help ensure that the UK and Europe remain at the forefront of this important field.
Research Focus
- Semiconductor materials: Researchers are developing new semiconductor materials with improved properties, such as wider bandgaps, higher carrier mobility, and lower defect densities. They are also exploring new ways to synthesise and process semiconductor materials.
- Semiconductor devices: Researchers are developing new semiconductor devices with improved performance and new functionalities. Examples include new types of transistors, sensors, memory devices, and optoelectronic devices.
- Compound semiconductors: Compound semiconductors (next-generation semiconductors) are materials made up of two or more elements, such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC). Compound semiconductors have multiple advantages over traditional silicon semiconductors, including higher power handling capabilities and better performance at high frequencies. This makes them ideal for applications such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and 5G communications.
- Integrated circuits: Researchers are developing new integrated circuit design techniques and architectures to enable the creation of more complex and powerful chips. They are also working to develop new ways to integrate different types of semiconductor devices on the same chip.
- Applications: Researchers are developing new electronic and semi-conductor devices and systems for a wide range of applications, including computing, communication, energy, healthcare, and transportation.
Research Strategies
Electronic and semiconductor research in the UK and Europe is supported by government and industry funded initiatives. The UK government launched a National Semiconductor Strategy in May 2023, which aims to invest £1.5 billion in the sector over the next five years.
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The EU launched the European Chips Act in February 2022, which is designed to increase Europe’s competitiveness in semiconductor technologies and applications.
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