Space is a tough place for electronics. High-energy radiation can damage the semiconductor devices that spacecraft rely on, creating a major challenge as missions venture farther from Earth.
A new $20 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation will support Michigan State University’s Integrated Diamond and Carbon Research in Space Applications, or IDiCaRS, a shared-use research facility designed to accelerate the development and testing of semiconductor technologies for these extreme environments.
“IDiCaRS will strengthen MSU’s ability to bring together researchers, industry partners and advanced research capabilities to tackle some of the most important challenges facing space electronics and semiconductors,” said John Papapolymerou, dean of the College of Engineering and director of the MSU Space Electronics Initiative. “Just as importantly, it will give our students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and help prepare the highly skilled workforce needed to keep Michigan competitive in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.”
Led by Wen Li, MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor in the College of Engineering and executive director of Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest, this facility will bring together an end-to-end research infrastructure for developing diamond and related carbon materials, fabricating electronic devices, and performing radiation-effects testing with high-energy heavy-ion beams at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, or FRIB, at MSU.
“We are building a first-of-its-kind niche facility — a diamond foundry — here at MSU,” said Li. “The goal is to give researchers in space and automotive electronics a place to move more quickly from developing a material or device to testing how it performs under harsh environmental conditions that can damage electronics in space.”
This new facility will improve technology today and protect future space technology.
“This investment will help students and researchers at MSU develop the next-generation technology to ensure the United States of America continues to lead the world in space exploration,” said U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett. “I look forward to seeing how this funding will support the incredible work being done at the university and am proud to support their efforts in Congress.”
Diamond is promising for space electronics because of its unique combination of properties, including high thermal conductivity and resistance to high temperatures, radiation and electrical stress. IDiCaRS will allow researchers to investigate these materials and devices and generate data about how they respond to extreme radiation and temperatures.
Today, development, manufacturing and severe-environment testing of these technologies can occur at separate facilities and in separate locations. By bringing these capabilities together under one roof, IDiCaRS aims to shorten development cycles and establish shared testing methodologies and qualification approaches for electronics intended for extreme environments.
The new facility will leverage existing MSU capabilities and partnerships, including FRIB, the MSU Space Electronics Initiative and the Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest.
“We are excited to bring the FRIB Laboratory’s heavy-ion beam infrastructure to the IDiCaRS initiative to help expand MSU’s reach of cutting-edge research for extreme environments,” said Thomas Glasmacher, FRIB Laboratory director. “Joining forces in advanced material science positions us to make a lasting impact on space exploration and semiconductor innovation while preparing the next generation of STEM leaders.”
“This grant represents the culmination of decades of collaborative research between Michigan State University and Fraunhofer USA in advanced diamond and carbon materials science,” said Thomas Schuelke, Fraunhofer USA president and professor in the College of Engineering. “What began as fundamental research partnerships has evolved into a shared-use facility that will accelerate the translation of next-generation semiconductor materials from the laboratory to the marketplace, strengthening America’s position in critical materials innovation for years to come.”
The research has implications beyond space exploration. More radiation-resistant and thermally capable semiconductor technologies could help reduce the need for heavy shielding and redundant systems on spacecraft, potentially allowing future missions to use smaller, lighter and more efficient systems.
Research conducted at IDiCaRS could also contribute to high-power electronics and next-generation communications technologies used on Earth and in space, while strengthening the U.S. semiconductor research and manufacturing ecosystem.
“Semiconductors power so many of the products we excel at making in Michigan. It’s absolutely essential that our advanced manufacturing sector is prepared to lead the way on production of these next-generation chips,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters. “This federal investment will help Michigan State University bring key university, government and industry partners together to accelerate deployment of cutting-edge semiconductor technologies that will keep our state competitive into the future.”
Preparing Michigan’s technology workforce
IDiCaRS will also create opportunities for students and the broader workforce to gain hands-on experience with advanced semiconductor materials, manufacturing processes and specialized equipment central to the project. The facility includes access to advanced research facilities, equipment training, updated undergraduate and graduate coursework, and plans for a graduate certificate and undergraduate minor related to the facility’s research areas. Education and outreach efforts also include space electronics programs for middle and high school students and opportunities for community college students.
“This investment will give students and researchers at Michigan State University the tools they need to turn cutting-edge research into real-world applications,” said U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin. “It’s the kind of investment that helps Michigan compete, strengthens American innovation, and trains the next generation of scientists and engineers right here at home. I’m glad to see Michigan continuing to lead the way.”
“Giving students hands-on experience with cutting-edge research is one of the most important investments we can make in our future,” said U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens. “Through IDiCaRS, Michigan students will have opportunities to learn and work with technologies that are pushing the boundaries of space exploration, quantum technologies and semiconductor manufacturing. Those experiences can open doors to careers in some of the nation’s most important and rapidly growing fields.”
IDiCaRS’ capabilities for researchers will expand from academia, industry and government, creating a shared resource for advancing technologies designed to operate in extreme environments.
Ultimately, IDiCaRS is intended to accelerate the development and testing of electronics that can withstand extreme environments while strengthening the infrastructure, technologies and workforce needed for the future of space exploration and advanced manufacturing.
For more information about IDiCaRS.
