University of Bath gains funding for world-class research into next-generation semiconductors

The University of Bath is to play a key role in helping the UK develop a hub to manufacture next-generation advanced semiconductor materials.

Along with the universities of Bristol, Sheffield and Strathclyde and industrial partners, it has received £2.65m from the Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to fund research into advanced manufacturing techniques for nano-engineered semiconductors.

It will focus on III-nitrides, which include semiconductors such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) that underpin the emerging global solid state lighting and power electronics industries.

Creating three-dimensional structures at the nanoscale can improve the quality of these materials and in turn the performance of these devices.

This will increase the energy efficiency in these and other emerging applications, such as water purification, where ultra-violet LEDs are used to prevent viruses reproducing. The funding will also help develop a new generation of sensors based on nanophotonics.

Dr Philip Shields, project lead from Bath’s Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, said: “This grant will enable us to develop the nanostructuring processes on a manufacturing scale along with reproducible device designs and measurement techniques to unlock the potential of these properties in a range of materials and innovative nano-devices.”

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Design Professor Gary Hawley added: “We are very excited to be pushing the forefront of these advanced materials and working with our university and industry partners. We hope to propel the UK forward to become much more competitive in the manufacture of advanced semiconductor materials.”

Last month the university’s standing as one of the UK’s leading centres for industry-related research was recognised in a major new national report which classified 87% of its work as world-leading.

The results of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) placed the university 13^th in the research quality ranking of UK universities, excluding specialist institutions.