CAREER: Unlocking Programmable Doping in Wide-Bandgap Materials

NSF Award Search · 01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $691,527 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Nontechnical Description Modern society depends on efficient energy conversion across technologies that range from small motors to hyperscale data centers. These data centers can draw as much as 10 megawatts each. Thus, even small gains in power-converter efficiency translate into massive energy savings on the scale of terawatt-hours. A core challenge limiting progress in these systems is the inability to precisely control how and where dopants—impurities that determine electrical behavior—are introduced into semiconductors. Wide-bandgap semiconductors like gallium nitride and aluminum nitride offer superior performance compared to traditional silicon. However, their doping processes remain rigid and difficult to optimize. This research addresses that bottleneck by developing a programmable doping strategy. This is a way to insert dopants into already-grown semiconductor crystals with nanometer-scale spatial precision. This method removes the need for costly regrowth and allows electrical junctions to be formed wherever needed on a chip, improving energy efficiency while lowering production cost. The approach directly supports more efficient electrical inverters, power supplies, and next-generation computing systems. Beyond the technical contributions, the research integrates hands-on education and national outreach. A new university-level course module will introduce students to advanced doping and defect engineering in wide-bandgap materials. Undergraduate and high school students will participate in cleanroom-based experiments and modeling through established programs. Outreach efforts led by the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering will distribute classroom kits and digital content that bring these advanced concepts into K–12 classrooms. These combined activities broaden participation in semiconductor science and strengthen the pipeline of future researchers and engineers. Technical Description This research addresses a fundamental

Key facts

NSF award ID
2541951
Awardee
Vanderbilt University (TN)
SAM.gov UEI
GTNBNWXJ12D5
PI
Mona ebrish
Primary program
01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Microelectronics and Semiconductors
Estimated total
$691,527
Funds obligated
$369,607
Transaction type
Continuing Grant
Period
08/01/2026 → 07/31/2031