Dieter Schroder

Dieter Schroder. He is a prominent German-American engineer and academic known for his extensive research in semiconductor device physics and microelectronics. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of MOSFET reliability, semiconductor characterization techniques, and silicon-based solar cell technology. Schroder has had a long and distinguished career at Arizona State University, where he has influenced generations of engineers and contributed foundational texts to the field.

Biography

Born in Germany, Dieter Schroder immigrated to the United States to pursue his higher education. He earned his doctorate from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, a leading institution in electrical engineering and computer science. His early professional work engaged with the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry in regions like Silicon Valley. Schroder's career has been marked by a commitment to bridging fundamental solid-state physics with practical integrated circuit manufacturing challenges, establishing him as a key figure in the global electronics community.

Academic career

Schroder joined the faculty of Arizona State University in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, where he spent the bulk of his academic career. He held a professorship in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, contributing to the university's reputation in materials science and nanotechnology research. Throughout his tenure, he supervised numerous PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to influential positions in companies like Intel, Texas Instruments, and Applied Materials. He also served in various leadership and editorial roles for professional societies, including the IEEE Electron Devices Society.

Research and contributions

Schroder's research has centered on the electrical characterization and reliability of semiconductor materials and devices. He made pioneering contributions to the analysis of interface traps and oxide charges in MOSFET structures, which are critical for the stability of modern CMOS technology. His development and refinement of techniques like deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and capacitance–voltage profiling became standard in laboratories worldwide. Furthermore, he conducted significant work on crystalline silicon for photovoltaics, investigating defects and carrier lifetime to improve solar cell efficiency, collaborating with institutions such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Awards and honors

In recognition of his contributions to semiconductor device physics and engineering education, Dieter Schroder was elevated to IEEE Fellow, a distinguished honor within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. His seminal textbook, *"Semiconductor Material and Device Characterization,"* published by Wiley, is considered a classic reference in the field and has received international acclaim. He has also been the recipient of several best paper awards from conferences like the IEEE International Reliability Physics Symposium and has been honored by Arizona State University for his excellence in teaching and research mentorship.

Selected publications

Among his extensive body of work, key publications include the authoritative textbook *"Semiconductor Material and Device Characterization,"* which has been translated into multiple languages. Influential journal articles encompass studies on surface recombination velocity in the *Journal of Applied Physics*, analyses of hot-carrier degradation in *IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices*, and investigations into iron contamination in silicon for the *Journal of The Electrochemical Society*. His research has also been frequently presented at major conferences including the Materials Research Society meetings and the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition.

Category:American electrical engineers Category:Arizona State University faculty Category:Semiconductor device physicists