Semiconductors

Fostering U.S. Computer Chip Leadership

woman works on circuit board in a lab

SJSU semiconductor excellence means meeting the federal CHIPS and Science Act by driving self-sufficiency and diversity in our national computer chip workforce, specialized applied chip research, and by advancing the Silicon Valley entrepreneurial pipeline.

As a partner in the Department of Defense California-Pacific Northwest AI Hardware Hub, we characterize and model cryogenic CMOS down to 4.2K for space and quantum computer applications. Simulation data are also generated to augment machine learning model creation for semiconductor yield improvement and physics discovery in novel transistors.

Below is a rotating selection of our standout investigators in these areas.

   ○ Recent News and Highlights
   ○ Research Strength: Ethical Technology
   ○ Research Strength: Machine Learning
   ○ Research Strength: Quantum Technology

Selected Publications

Parent, D., et al. (2021). Conducting Undergraduate Research Activities in a Remote Environment. 2021 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference.

Smallwood, C., et al. (2012). Tracking Cooper pairs in a cuprate superconductor by ultrafast angle-resolved photoemission. Vol 336, 6085.

Li, H., Lomsadze, B., Moody, G., Smallwood, C., and Cundiff, S. (2023). Optical Multidimensional Coherent Spectroscopy. Oxford University Press.

Jiao, T., Antunez, E., Wong, H. (2023). Study of Cryogenic MOSFET Sub-Threshold Swing Using Ab Initio Calculation. IEEE Electron Device Letters, 44(10).

Wong, H. (2025). Quantum Computing Architecture and Hardware for Engineers - Step by Step. Springer International Publishing.

Wong, H. (2024). Introduction to Quantum Computing: From a Layperson to a Programmer in 30 Steps, Second Edition. Springer International Publishing.

Award Highlights

Oh, Smallwood, Wolcott, Keles, “MRI Track #1 Acquisition of Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Research and Education at San José State University” — NSF, 2023

Del Casino, Parent, Rosenfeld, “Project Engineering Success: Increasing Hispanic Student Success in Engineering at San José State University, San José City College & Gavilan College”  — DoE, 2022

Lee, Oh — "Effect of Cyclic Mechanical Stress on Ionic Conduction in Composite Polymer Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries" — NSF, 2021

Parent, Lee, Han, Oh, "Acquisition of an Automated Multipurpose Furnace and Reactive Ion Etcher System for Microscale Fabrication Education and Research at SJSU" — DoD, 2021

Hurst, Wong, “NRT-QL: A Program for Training a Quantum Workforce” — NSF, 2021

Wong, "Collaborative Research: Elements: Empowering Semiconductor Device Research and Education through Integrated Machine Learning Models and Database" — NSF, 2024

Wong, "Cryogenic Characterization and Modeling of MST Devices and Analog Circuits Augmented with TCAD-enabled Machine Learning" — Atomera, Inc., 2024

Innovations

Variable Channel Doping in Vertical Transistor [pdf]
A practical and efficient solution for enhancing the performance of power transistors.

Affiliates

California-Pacific-Northwest AI Hardware Hub
(NORTHWEST-AI HUB)

CSU STEM-​NET


Featured Faculty

leeJohn Lee
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Microfluidics, Mechanics of Soft Materials, Biomechanics, Energy Materials, Microfabrication Processes, Microelectromechanical Systems
ORCID: 0000-0003-4522-0560

mathurGita Mathur
Professor of Business 
Technological Innovation, Product Development, Project Management, Strategic Management, Team Management, Semiconductor Industry

parentDavid Parent
Professor of Electrical Engineering
Semiconductor Fabrication, Stochastic Processing, Neuromorphic Engineering, Student Success, HSI, IC design,
ORCID: 0000-0002-9396-6925

smallwoodChristopher Smallwood
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Optical Spectroscopy, Materials Science, Quantum Information, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Optics
ORCID: 0000-0002-4103-8748

wongHiu Yung Wong
Professor of Electrical Engineering
TCAD, Quantum Computing, Superconducting Qubit, Simulation Augmented Machine Learning,  Cryogenic Electronics, (Ultra) Wide Bandgap Device
ORCID: 0000-0003-0135-7469

Potential collaborators and members of the media may contact us at officeofresearch@sjsu.edu.