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 (GRAPESPOETSSEEDS, 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 (NANOHiDECNCREPT), 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

MUSiC Facility Celebrates Topping Out

MUSiC Facility Celebrates Topping Out

The University of Arkansas celebrated the topping-out of the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility, marking a milestone. Over 100 attendees, including students, faculty, and state leaders, signed the beam and heard remarks from Dean Kim Needy...

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UA Power Group to Host MUSiC Topping Off Ceremony

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...

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Silicon Carbide Facility Gains Vital Chip-Making Tool

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...

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U of A Situated to be a National Leader in Semiconductors

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...

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The U of A Advances Towards Leadership in Semiconductors

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...

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MUSiC Facility seen as Economic ‘Magnet’

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,...

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UA Prepares for the Unprecedented Chip Fabrication Facility

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,...

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$36 million chip prototype facility set to open 2025

$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:...

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U of A Breaks Gound on One-of-a-Kind Semiconductor Facility

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...

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