Formation of an I/UCRC Multi-University Center for Dielectric Studies

The Multi-university Center for Dielectrics will target research in three focal areas: evolutionary, revolutionary, and basic. Evolutionary topics will emphasize near-term industrial needs such as dielectric degradation mechanisms, which affect component reliability. Revolutionary research involves a paradigm shift in the industry. For example, nanoparticle deposition by electrophoresis will produce new capacitor structures with submicron layers. Basic topics will permit in-depth investigation of defect chemistry and microwave dielectric relaxation mechanisms which opens new research areas in pulse power and wireless components.