Natural State News

University of Arkansas engineering researchers will be given the opportunity to strengthen its national silicon carbide research efforts and launch a fabrication facility on campus with a recently released $17.87 million grant given by the National Science Foundation.   

"Great news for the University of Arkansas,” Sen. Tom Cotton wrote in a Facebook post. “This facility will ensure Arkansas remains at the forefront of semiconductor research and development. It’s vital for our national security that we expand our microelectronics ecosystem in the U.S.”

The grant will cover three full-time staff members and a post-doctoral researcher for four years, and the new facility, which will serve as the only openly accessible fabrication facility of its kind in the country, Talk Business & Politics reported Oct. 4.

The new UA facility will provide a local supply of prototyping, proof-of-principle demonstrations and device design, intended for internal U.S use. The initiative will be led by the University's professor of electrical engineering, Alan Mantooth.

The NSF grant will cover all aspects of the venture’s infrastructure, equipment, technology installation and enhancements to existing agencies among other expenses. The project is expected to be completed within three years, Talk Business & Politics reported.

“The national impact of having a fabrication facility such as this is enormous,” Mantooth said. “The country that leads the world in advancing silicon carbide semiconductor design and fabrication will also lead the race to market nearly all game-changing technologies, including those used by the military, as well as general electronic devices that are essential to our economy.”