Researchers at the Institute of Applied Physics are working on innovative materials for power electronics and microelectronics for Germany as a semiconductor centre. Among other things, the Microelectronics Research Laboratory for the Development of Power Electronics Materials (ForLab Mat4μ), which was founded a few years ago, has created the best conditions for this. Between 2019 and 2022, more than one million euros in federal funding was channelled into the project. There are twelve such university microelectronics research laboratories across Germany that work closely together.

In collaboration with other academic and industrial partners, the components can be analysed using various spectroscopic methods in addition to cleanroom production. The researchers are working on characterising defects in semiconductor wafers and integrating test components into them in a practical manner. With this research, the scientists want to make statements at an early stage of material development about how certain defects influence the functionality of the later components.

Power electronic components are used, for example, in solar and wind power plants as well as in the field of electromobility. The aim of investigating semiconductor materials is to minimise electrical losses, achieve maximum efficiency and produce components that are more durable and effective. This makes it possible to save resources.

Knowledge such as that gained in the Freiberg research laboratory simplifies the introduction of new materials into the technology and shortens the innovation cycle for their development. This approach to semiconductor material research through to realisation in components is also used in the development of more efficient solar cells or new doping methods in quantum and nanoelectronics.