A Semiconductor That Could Alleviate Computing's Climate Problem
While a lot of the focus on fighting climate change lands on things like gasoline vehicles and factory emissions, computers gobble up plenty of carbon-based energy on their own.
Penn State and onsemi sign MOU to boost silicon carbide research in the U.S.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Geanie Umberger, Associate Vice President for Research; Director, Office of Industrial Partnerships, Penn State Sudhir Gopalswamy, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Advanced Solutions Group, onsemi Daniel Lopez, Liang Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Director of the Nanofabrication Lab, Penn State Catherine Côté, Vice President and Chief of Staff to the CEO, onsemi Tracy Langkilde, Dean of the Eberly College of Science (front), Penn State Justin Schwartz, Executive Vice President and Provost (back), Penn State Scott Allen, VP of Univ
Thanks, silicon for everything. Now we need something better.
Silicon has been king for a long time in computer technology. It is the namesake for America’s technology hub, Silicon Valley. However, silicon is nearing its limit as an effective semiconductor material.
Semiconductors designed to deliver extreme capabilities
By Jamie Oberdick
Your cellphone probably would not work very well in space. That is because outer space is full of radiation, and radiation causes defects in electronics that can eventually lead to device failure. You and your cellphone are likely not going to be in outer space anytime soon, but if you are an astronaut relying on electronics to get you to and from space without incident, Rongming Chu’s research may one day be key in keeping you safe.
Penn State has a head start on building America’s semiconductor workforce
By Jamie Oberdick
A key to America's future semiconductor success story will be building a skilled workforce, a well-prepared set of workers to address the needs of the chips industry. Workforce development is an essential part of the Chips and Science Act, designed to meet the needs of the semiconductor industry.
Packaging is a huge part of the semiconductor puzzle, and Penn State has answers
The big news around semiconductors, the factor that drove the CHIPS for America Act, was and is the supply chain. Many in the media focused on the shortages and disruption in the chips supply chain that was caused by the pandemic, and in turn, created big increases in the price of things like automobiles. But there is also another big deal happening with semiconductors that does not get as much attention – packaging.
Growing tomorrow’s semiconductor chips in the materials garden
In some ways, Mauricio Terrones is a gardener. An Evan Pugh University Professor and The Penn State Verne M. Willaman Professor of Physics, Terrones does not grow flowers or vegetables, but instead, one- or few-atom-thick two-dimensional (2D) materials. Specifically, creating materials with specific properties. The first 2D material ever created was graphene, and Terrones was a pioneer in developing 2D materials beyond graphene such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and Tungsten disulfide (WS2). These are layered 2D materials, monolayered, bi-layered, tri-layered or more.
Organic semiconductors’ glowing potential
By Jamie Oberdick
Many people think of semiconductors as vital for computers, but they have another characteristic that makes them valuable: the ability to efficiently absorb and emit light.
Potential university partners share their vision of a regional semiconductor hub
By Jamie Oberdick
As outlined in the CHIPS and Science Act, regional hubs would play a key role in an American semiconductor future.
Part of what will help make the CHIPS and Science Act a success is the concept of regional hubs, where partnerships among industry, government, and universities like Penn State will thrive. Penn State brings a lot of semiconductor expertise to the table, but what about potential university partners in the region? What would a joint university partnership look like?
Penn State’s Role in Setting a Course for America’s Semiconductor Future
By Jamie Oberdick
Semiconductors are a big reason as to why you are reading this. This is not a reference to your interest in semiconductors as a subject, but the actual production of this website. Even if you are reading the print version of this article and not the online version, semiconductors played a role in creating that hard copy via word processing, graphic design, digital photography, and even the printer that printed the pages. Such is the ubiquitousness of semiconductor chips in our current society.