GaN-Based Devices for Gas Sensing in Harsh Enviornments

该项目的总体目标是开发高温下具有更高灵敏度、响应时间、稳定性和可靠性的GaN基气体传感器。这项研究计划的成果将提供技术，将大大提高在恶劣环境中的气体传感能力。这项针对恶劣环境下新型气敏材料和器件的探索性研究的技术优势如下：（1）GaN基器件的气敏机理和物理学的基础知识;（2）用于高温应用的GaN基气敏传感器的制造;以及（3）用于极高温应用的先进传感器封装技术。这种新的气体传感技术在能源和汽车工业的下一代能源，以及在国防反恐应用中具有巨大的潜力。该项目的成功将为紧凑、高效的燃料电池系统的研究和开发提供技术。 该项目将提供一个环境，学生可以在更广泛的研究过程中，从设备建模，设计，制造，设备测试和包装的角度进行培训。本项目所需的合作努力将使学生能够通过学习新技术和参与通常不在其顾问活动范围内的相关研究来扩大他们的研究经验。因此，与该项目相关的学生将接受最先进方法的培训，这些方法将成为他们未来职业生涯的基石，从而增强未来的研究和教育基础设施。研究发现和结果将纳入课程开发。

The overall goal of this project is to develop GaN-based gas sensors at high temperatures with improved sensitivity, response time, stability and reliability. The outcome of this research program will provide technology that will greatly enhance the capability of gas sensing in harsh environments. The technical merit of this exploratory research for new gas sensing materials and devices in harsh environments is as follows: (1) fundamental knowledge of the gas sensing mechanisms and the physics of GaN-based devices; (2) fabrication of GaN-based gas sensors for high temperature applications; and (3) advanced sensor packaging technology for extremely high temperature applications. This new gas sensing technology will have great potentials in energy and automobile industry for next generation of energy, and in defense applications for anti-terrorism. The success of the project will provide technology for research and development in compact, efficient fuel cell system. This project will provide an environment where students can be trained in a broader perspective of the research process, from device modeling, design, fabrication, to device testing and package. Collaborative efforts required in this project will allow students to broaden their research experience beyond the norm by learning new techniques and participating in related research normally outside their adviser's activities. Hence, students associated with this project will be trained on state-of-the-art methods that will be cornerstones for their future careers that will enhance the future infrastructure for research and education. Research discoveries and results will be incorporated in the course development.