In response to increased interest in wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor projects by DOE, on October 30, 2012, Sandia hosted a one-day brainstorming workshop aimed at identifying the value, scope, structure, and partnership opportunities of a potential National Center for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors.
Participants from DOE, industry, academia, and other labs participated in a series of breakout sessions, the results of which will inform next steps in WBG research. Significant input was gathered on our four question areas
- the value proposition for a national center,
- the technical scope,
- potential partners and participants, and
- possible operating and business models.
Workshop participants’ single strongest statement was the need for a national WBG technology roadmap. We are currently exploring plans for just such a road-mapping activity. Because WBGs involve multiple technologies and multiple applications, a technology roadmap will likely be complex and challenging.