Michigan State University received a $20 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to establish the Integrated Diamond and Carbon Research in Space Applications facility, or IDiCaRS, a shared-use research center focused on semiconductor technologies designed for extreme environments.
The facility will bring together advanced diamond and carbon materials research, electronic device fabrication, and high-energy radiation testing to accelerate the development of electronics capable of operating in space and other harsh environments.
Space radiation can damage conventional semiconductor devices, presenting challenges for spacecraft operating beyond low Earth orbit and for future missions traveling farther into space.
IDiCaRS will create an end-to-end research infrastructure to develop diamond and related carbon materials, fabricate electronic devices, and test how those devices respond to radiation.
The facility will be led by Wen Li, MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor in the College of Engineering and executive director of Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest.
High-energy radiation testing will use heavy-ion beams at Michigan State University’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.
MSU described the project as a first-of-its-kind niche facility, including a diamond foundry intended to allow researchers to move more quickly from materials development through device fabrication and harsh-environment testing.
Diamond is considered promising for space electronics because of properties including high thermal conductivity and resistance to high temperatures, radiation, and electrical stress.
By combining capabilities that are currently distributed across different facilities and locations, IDiCaRS is intended to shorten development cycles and help establish shared testing and qualification approaches for electronics used in extreme environments.
The facility will leverage existing capabilities and partnerships involving the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, the MSU Space Electronics Initiative, and Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest.
Research conducted through IDiCaRS could support development of more radiation-resistant and thermally capable semiconductors, potentially reducing spacecraft reliance on heavy shielding and redundant systems.
The technologies could enable smaller, lighter, and more efficient spacecraft systems while also contributing to high-power electronics and next-generation communications technologies on Earth.
IDiCaRS will operate as a shared-use resource for academic, industry, and government researchers.
Aerospace, defense, and satellite companies will be able to collaborate on radiation-hardened electronics for missions beyond low Earth orbit, while semiconductor and materials companies can access diamond growth, device fabrication, and radiation-testing capabilities.
Potential applications beyond space include power systems, electric vehicles, telecommunications, and other advanced electronics.
The project will also expand workforce development opportunities in Michigan.
Students will gain access to advanced semiconductor materials, manufacturing processes, research facilities, and specialized equipment.
Plans include updated undergraduate and graduate coursework, a graduate certificate, and an undergraduate minor connected with the facility’s research areas.
Education and outreach efforts will also include space electronics programs for middle and high school students and opportunities for community college students.
MSU said the facility is intended to strengthen Michigan’s position in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing while accelerating development of technologies needed for future space exploration.
KEY QUOTES:
“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. 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.”
John Papapolymerou, Dean of the College of Engineering and Director of the MSU Space Electronics Initiative
“We are building a first-of-its-kind niche facility — a diamond foundry — here at MSU. 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.”
Wen Li, MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor in the College of Engineering and Executive Director of 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. 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.”
Thomas Glasmacher, Director of the FRIB Laboratory
“This grant represents the culmination of decades of collaborative research between Michigan State University and Fraunhofer USA in advanced diamond and carbon materials science. 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.”
Thomas Schuelke, President of Fraunhofer USA and Professor in the College of Engineering
