PRESENTER Dr. Abdullah AlShaikhi INSTITUTE Physics Department King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

​​​ABSTRACT: The field of electronic devices is one of the fastest growing fields. The rapid developments in this field enhanced the efficiency and capabilities of the electronic devices for different applications. Miniaturization of these devices and increasing their densities were two factors that played an important role in the developments of the electronic devices and their applications. However, improving these two factors accompanies with the problem of the generated heat in these devices which, in turn, affects their performance.

The significant amount of heat generated in the active region of the electronic device needs to be dissipated. Different methods are used to cool the electronic devices. One of these methods is to use a non-metallic high thermal conductivity materials. Wide bandgap semiconductors that possess a high thermal conductivity appear as suitable solution to overcome not only the heat dissipation problem but also to extend the operating temperature limit of the electronic device and eliminate the need for extra cooling source. Thus, thermal conductivity of these materials is a crucial parameter that needs to be studied and understood for better thermal management in such applications.

In this talk an overview of the thermal conductivity of wide bandgap semiconductors will be presented. The factors controlling the conductivity and the role played by each factor will be discussed briefly. Also calculated results for the thermal conductivity of wide bandgap semiconductors such as GaN and SiC will be shown and a comparison with available experimental data will be provided.