2023

When it comes to particularly low-loss semiconductor components and highly efficient power electronics, there is no way around silicon carbide (SiC) today. The wide-bandgap semiconductor material SiC is superior to conventional silicon in many respects and is conquering more and more new areas of application, for example in optoelectronics, sensor technology or solid-state quantum electronics. Even in space, SiC demonstrates its outstanding physical properties: A SiC UV photodiode from the Berlin-based company sglux is on board the current NASA mission Mars 2020. The SiC chip with the heterostructures for the UV photodiode was processed at Fraunhofer IISB in Erlangen on the institute's own CMOS line. Since the Mars rover “Perseverance” landed on the surface of Mars on February 18, 2021, the SiC photodiode has been functioning with absolute reliability under extreme environmental conditions. The UV sensor is a component of the SHERLOC deep-UV Raman spectrometer, employed by NASA to search for traces of past life on the surface of Mars. Fraunhofer IISB offers SMEs, mid-sized companies and industry low-threshold access to high-tech infrastructure and unique know-how in the field of semiconductor technology.

Semilab is pleased to announce an agreement to form a long-term strategic partnership with Fraunhofer IISB. Within the framework of this cooperation, a demo lab will be opened with a strong focus on developing state-of-the-art metrology and inspection solutions for wide bandgap semiconductor materials.

Kevin Ehrensberger completed his apprenticeship as a microelectronic technician at Fraunhofer IISB in September 2021. The former nanotechnology student has one thing in common with his colleagues Nadine Riek and Stefanie Schickedanz: "I also wanted to work with my hands, something in relation to reality." The small but significant word "also" is elementary in this sentence. To practice their profession, microtechnologists dive deep into the micro- and nanostructures of computer chips and semiconductor components, both theoretically and practically. Stephanie Natzer, instructress at Fraunhofer IISB, explains why this varied profession has such a bright future: “Microelectronic technicians know how to create these tiny marvels and experience this technological progress in real time, so to say."

Wir rufen für das Schuljahr 2023/2024 zum 3. deutschlandweiten Schülerwettbewerb „Wer züchtet den schönsten Kristall?“ für Schülerinnen und Schüler der 5. – 13. Jahrgangsstufe auf. Mit einfachen Mitteln und ein wenig Geduld sollen schöne und große Kristalle aus einer wässrigen Lösung „gezüchtet“ werden (so nennt man die Kristallherstellung). Zeit ist bis zum 15. Dezember 2023. Danach wählt eine Jury die schönsten Kristalle aus. Die Sieger werden bei einer feierlichen Preisverleihung im Rahmen der Deutschen Kristallzüchtungstagung im März 2024 in Erlangen prämiert.

At what point does it pay off for SMEs to invest in their own renewable energy sources, energy storage or general modernization measures for their energy system? How can they reduce costs and CO2 emissions or even increase the degree of self-sufficiency? Companies can only answer these questions for themselves individually - and the new free software toolbox supports them in doing so. It includes three tools that analyze customer-specific energy data, predict energy demand, identify saving potentials, and simulate the energy system. The impact of planned expansions and changes to the energy infrastructure can be examined virtually before an actual intervention - without affecting sensitive production processes. By calculating the long-term cost-benefit ratio, companies gain confidence in making adjustments and can reduce their costs and, at the same time, their CO2 emissions. This gives companies a flexible solution for optimizing their energy management. (Press release in German)

The expansion of electromobility poses new challenges for the infrastructure: Charging stations for vehicle batteries must be properly integrated into the already existing stationary power grid. What is needed is a holistic charging concept for different types of vehicles. In the joint project eMobiGrid, three medium-sized companies, the University of Bayreuth and Fraunhofer IISB are collaborating to develop practical solutions to accelerate electromobility and integrate sustainable energies. eMobiGrid is funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) within the framework of the "BMDV Electromobility Funding Guideline" with around three million euros. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ). (Press release in German)

Das Verbundvorhaben INNOBATT verfolgt einen neuartigen und ganzheitlichen Ansatz für anwendungsspezifische Batteriespeicher, der die komplette Wertschöpfungskette vom Grundmaterial bis zum späteren Recycling berücksichtigt. Ziel des Konsortiums aus Wissenschaft und Industrie ist die gemeinsame Entwicklung eines nachhaltigen und intelligenten elektrischen Speichersystems, das von vornherein auf ressourcenschonende Herstellung, herausragende Betriebssicherheit und einfache Wiederverwertbarkeit ausgelegt ist. Ausgangspunkt ist die kostengünstige Zellchemie der Aluminium-Ionen-Batterie (AIB), die mit nicht entflammbaren Materialien arbeitet und auf kritische Rohstoffe verzichtet. Das Projekt INNOBATT wird vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) im Rahmen des Programms „Batterie2020Transfer“ gefördert.

In 2022, our Materials Department succeeded in growing an aluminum nitride (AlN) crystal with a diameter of 43 mm in technology-relevant quality. Now Dr. Elke Meißner and her team from the Nitride Materials group have taken the next step and processed the first 1-inch AlN wafers from this crystal.

Local and decentralized controlled DC grids offer many advantages compared to the conventional public AC grid. In our new IISB Insights Video, Bernd Wunder, Group Manager DC Grids, gives an introduction into our various DC activities.

At ETH Zurich (Switzerland), students equipped a 4-seat aircraft with a battery electric powertrain as part of a student focus project. The E-Sling completed its first flight in Dübendorf, Switzerland, on September 19, 2022. To electrify a Sling-TSi, the combustion engine was removed and replaced by a modular battery system that stores 44 kWh of energy and achieves a range of up to 200 km. This modular battery system is monitored and controlled with the foxBMS® battery management system developed by Fraunhofer IISB. The safe and well documented architecture of foxBMS® enabled the Swiss student team to reach flight approval from the Swiss federal office of civil aviation (BAZL).