In 2020-21, the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility received nearly $19 million from the National Science Foundation and $5.4 million from the Army Research Laboratory, most of which will be used to procure the needed equipment for this one-of-a-kind research, teaching and fabrication facility. The facility will enable the fabrication of circuits and devices on 6-inch semiconductor wafers for educational, commercial and military entities.
The U of A is the perfect choice to lead the effort in becoming the leader in commercializing silicon carbide semiconductors. It has built a program that includes four centers of excellence (GRAPES, POETS, SEEDS, CITES), 16 faculty across four departments, 110 graduate students, nine full-time staff (and growing), four NSF CAREER Award winners since 2018, three established facilities (NANO, HiDEC, NCREPT), hundreds of journal and conference papers and numerous awards to faculty, students and staff.
The fabrication facility will:
- Train students and produce the next generation of well-trained leaders in the semiconductor community.
- Attract excellent faculty to the U of A.
- Attract new industry to Arkansas.
- Produce new technology that becomes a source for start-up companies.
- Serve as a bridge between traditional university research and high-volume manufacturing of SiC circuits, thus filling a vital gap in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing for universities, national labs and businesses of all sizes that need low-volume prototyping.
Latest MUSiC News
UA Power Group to Host MUSiC Topping Off Ceremony
The UA Power Group prepares to mark a significant milestone in the construction of its newest MUSiC facility. Students and faculty will gather at the construction site to sign the final beam before it's raised into place. This ceremony symbolizes the dedication and...
University of Arkansas to Host 2024 SiC+X Workshop in August
U of A to host 8th annual SiC+X Workshop on Aug. 12-13. Event focuses on latest research in SiC materials and devices, wide bandgap materials, including growth, processing, electronics, sensors, and photonics. Participants will also explore collaboration opportunities...
Silicon Carbide Facility Gains Vital Chip-Making Tool
U of A's silicon carbide facility reached a milestone by commissioning Deposition Technology for a crucial chip-making tool. The tool will be customized to meet the specific requirements of the Multi-Use Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility, a unique...
U of A Situated to be a National Leader in Semiconductors
The U of A is strategically positioned to lead in the U.S. semiconductor sector. With over $45 million in recent funding, researchers focus on silicon carbide, semiconductor alloys, and quantum materials. The university, leveraging its research foundation, aligns with...
The U of A Advances Towards Leadership in Semiconductors
The University of Arkansas is progressing to lead the U.S. semiconductor economy with the construction of the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility (MUSiC). This facility, operational in August, will facilitate silicon and silicon carbide chip...
Leading the Semiconductor Economy from the Lab to Fabrication
The University of Arkansas holds a distinctive position as a potential leader in the future semiconductor economy of the United States. Semiconductors, including silicon, are critical materials in the majority of electronic devices, driving advancements in fields such...
The University of Arkansas Breaks Ground on New Research Facility
The University of Arkansas recently broke ground on MUSiC facility to further silicon carbide research and fabrication efforts: https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/08/22/university-of-arkansas-research-silicon-carbide
U of A Makes Significant Step in Semiconductor Production
The University of Arkansas has initiated the construction of a semiconductor research and fabrication facility, marking a significant step in advancing its capabilities in this field:...
The University Celebrates One-of-a-Kind Semiconductor Facility
The University of Arkansas marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of a new building, a development that Chancellor Charles Robinson believes may eventually rival the iconic Old Main in importance for both the university and the state of Arkansas:...
MUSiC Facility seen as Economic ‘Magnet’
The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville's new national Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility, led by electrical engineering professor Alan Mantooth, is expected to be a key driver for economic development. Mantooth highlights its uniqueness,...
New facility Aims to Become the Nation’s Leader in Semiconductors
The University of Arkansas is unveiling a new facility with the ambitious goal of positioning the state as a leader in the semiconductor industry. This cutting-edge facility is geared towards advancing research and innovation in the field of semiconductors, aiming to...
UA Prepares for the Unprecedented Chip Fabrication Facility
The University of Arkansas is set to commence construction on Friday for a groundbreaking silicon carbide chip research and fabrication facility in south Fayetteville. The envisioned Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility, abbreviated as MUSiC,...
U of A Takes Big Leadership Steps in Semiconductor Production
In August, the university initiated the construction of the national Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility, known as MUSiC. This semiconductor research and fabrication facility, equipped for both silicon and silicon carbide chip production, will...
$36 million chip prototype facility set to open 2025
Ground has been broken for a pioneering semiconductor facility at the University of Arkansas, as revealed in a news release on Monday (Aug. 21). This $36 million chip prototype fabrication facility is anticipated to be finished by January 2025:...
U of A Breaks Gound on One-of-a-Kind Semiconductor Facility
The University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson, alongside other university officials, including University of Arkansas System President Don Bobbitt, members of the U of A System Board of Trustees, as well as researchers and industry leaders, gathered at the...
U of A Initiates Construction of Innovative SiC Research Facility
The University of Arkansas has initiated the construction of a national silicon carbide (SiC) research and fabrication center with funding amounting to $18 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and supplemental support from the Army Research Laboratory....
Mantooth Presents MUSiC to the Arkansas Legislative Council
Dr. Alan Mantooth presented the new Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility (MUSiC) to the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council. You can learn more about this exciting facility by clicking on the link below, his...
$5 Million for Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Fabrication Facility
Over $5 million grant from Army added to $18 million from NSF will propel UA to front of silicon carbide race to the future. https://news.uark.edu/.../army-grants-to-bolster-unique...
$17.87 Million For National Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility
Exciting news on their $18M NSF award to create a National Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility at the University of Arkansas. Congratulations Dr. Alan Mantooth, Dr. Zhong Chen, Dr. Shannon Davis, and John Ransom....