John Will iams
Physics Research Update
After a 37-year career at Auburn University, Physics Professor John Williams retired in
December 2011. Now a professor emeritus, he was part of the Condensed Matter Physics group at
Auburn, specifically the Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Physics Program. Directed by Williams
and Associate Professor Minseo Park, the program was started in the early 1990s, and Williams’
research is in the field of advanced semiconductor materials. His interests are in semiconductor
materials that are used to run electronics that require lots of power, such as large industrial motors
that use massive amounts of electricity, or hybrid-electric vehicles.
“Most advanced semiconductors are based on silicon,” Williams explained. “As good as silicon
is, it has its limitations.”
For example, a fighter aircraft is subject to high temperatures in the jet engine. Conventional
silicon electronics used in consumer electronics will not survive the rigors of most harsh
environments, making new materials and manufacturing approaches necessary.
“The materials we use are silicon carbide and gallium nitride, but it really doesn’t matter what
materials we use. The goal is to find methods that will get us away from using oil and fossil fuels,”
Williams explained.
Williams worked with a team of researchers including: Tamara Isaacs-Smith, physics research
associate; Max Cichon, engineer associate; Claude Ahyi, assistant research professor; and several
graduate students.
Historically, the Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Physics Program was based on silicon
carbide and funding was provided through NASA-E