Professor Srabanti Chowdhury’s Q&A on what semiconductors are, why they are so important in our lives, and the vast potential of what could come next in this global and interdisciplinary industry.

From engineering advances to medical applications to geopolitics, semiconductors are big news. And for good reason, says Srabanti Chowdhury. "Semiconductors are incredibly impactful in our life. We’re always among them, either using them directly or getting benefits from them."

Srabanti's lab focuses on studying semiconductors that can support more efficient, sustainable, and heatproof electronics. On Sept. 11, the Semiconductor Research Corporation awarded Chowdhury the 2023 Technical Excellence Award, recognizing her expertise in semiconductors that are designed to withstand extreme heat environments and her prolific and transparent data sharing practices.

Here are 14 questions Chowdhury answered:

1. What is the definition of a “semiconductor”?
2. Why are semiconductors important?
3. What are the parts of a semiconductor?
4. What materials are semiconductors made of?
5. What do semiconductors have to do with computers?
6. What is “Moore’s Law” and how does it relate to semiconductors?
7. Why are there concerns about a semiconductor shortage?
8. Why are semiconductors a topic in political news?
9. What are the biggest challenges in semiconductor technology or production?
10. What major advances in semiconductor technology are coming soon?
11. What advances seem less likely in the near-term?
12. What work from your group are you most excited about?
13. What would say to someone considering studying semiconductors?
14. What does the future of semiconductors look like?

Read full article, "Engineering professor explains semiconductors," Stanford News, September 20, 2023.