Photovoltaic and Semiconductor Research:
Advancing Controlled Spalling for High-Performance Devices
Our research group is pioneering advancements in semiconductor fabrication with controlled spalling techniques, revolutionizing the way high-efficiency III-V solar cells and semiconductors are manufactured. By leveraging the principles of fracture mechanics, we’ve developed a precise method to exfoliate thin, high-quality semiconductor films from substrates like germanium and gallium arsenide, enabling innovative, cost-effective applications in photovoltaics, microelectronics, and semiconductor devices.
Rare Earth Ceramics in Aerospace, Outer Space, and Prehistory
Our research group is at the forefront of developing rare earth ceramics with exceptional mechanical properties, focusing on materials like rare-earth orthophosphates, including GdPO4. These materials, known for their thermal and chemical stability, promise improved properties for high-performance applications in extreme environments as barrier and fiber coatings for advanced thermal protection systems and ceramic matrix composites. They also exist in natural forms as minerals in the earth where their deformation records geologic processes like asteroid impacts.