BSAC Technology Seminar: “Tiny-but-Tough” GaN- and Graphene-Based Nanoelectronics for Extreme Harsh Environments

Seminar | April 4 | 12-1 p.m. |  Hybrid Seminar

Speaker:  Debbie G. Senesky, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Stanford University

Sponsor:  Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center (BSAC)

Gallium nitride (GaN) nanoelectronics have operated at temperatures as high as 1000°C making it a viable platform for robust space-grade (“tiny-but-tough”) electronics and nano-satellites. Even with these major technological breakthroughs, we have just begun the “GaN revolution.” New communities are adopting this nanoelectronic platform for a multitude of emerging device applications including the following: sensing, energy harvesting, actuation, and communication. In this talk, we will review and discuss the benefits of GaN’s two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) over silicon’s p-n junction for space exploration applications (e.g., radiation-hardened, temperature-tolerant Venus probes). In addition, we will discuss the use of 2D materials such as graphene in space exploration applications, as well as the potential for synthesis of graphene mesostructures in prolonged microgravity environments on the International Space Station (ISS).

Debbie G. Senesky is an Associate Professor at Stanford University in the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department and by courtesy, the Electrical Engineering Department. In addition, she is the Principal Investigator of the EXtreme Environment Microsystems Laboratory (XLab). Her research interests include the development of nanomaterials for extreme harsh environments, high-temperature electronics, and robust instrumentation for Venus exploration. She received the B.S. degree (2001) in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California. She received the M.S. degree (2004) and Ph.D. degree (2007) in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She is currently serves as the Site Director for nano@stanford, as well as co-editor for the IEEE Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems (JMEMS) and Sensors (journal). In recognition of her work, she is a recipient of the Emerging Leader Abie Award from AnitaB.org, NASA Early Faculty Career Award, and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Ph.D. Fellowship Award. More information about Prof. Senesky can be found at xlab.stanford.edu or on Instagram: @astrodebs.

Open to audiences:  Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Students - Graduate

Registration required:  $0

Registration info:  Space is limited. Register online by April 3. 

Event Contact:  bsac@berkeley.edu, 510-643-6690

Access Coordinator:  Dalene Schwartz Corey,  bsac@berkeley.edu,  510-643-6690

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