Dr. Graham's interdisciplinary expertise in wide bandgap semiconductors and flexible electronics has applications in communications and thermal management technologies.

His research focuses on exploring the properties of thin films used to create microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology devices. Specifically, Dr. Graham concentrates on the growth of thin films and the development of methods to characterize their thermal transport properties and reliability. This work is important for thermal MEMS devices and solid oxide fuel cells, providing an understanding of the role of microscale transport phenomena and the stability of transport properties. Dr. Graham also studies methods for measuring temperature and thermal conductivity directly on MEMS structures, with the ultimate objective of providing a full-field temperature map of MEMS devices with higher spatial resolution than can be obtained by infrared technologies.

The team at the Graham Lab works on the development of wide bandgap electronic devices in addition to materials to support energy systems. They also manage the Electronics Manufacturing and Reliability Laboratory, focusing on thermal analysis and reliability of gallium nitride– and gallium oxide–based wide bandgap semiconductors

Research Goals 

  • MEMS: Characterizing thermal properties of thin films for devices in harsh thermal environments
  • Radio frequency (RF) technology: Developing experimental techniques to measure the temperature and stress distribution down to the transistor level
  • Electric transportation: Optimizing power electronics for electric and hybrid transportation systems
  • Thermal energy management and storage: Investigating thermophysical properties and thermal interface resistance to develop improved packaging

Activities 

  • MEMS thermal mapping: Leveraging modulated optical sources to closely map local temperature and thermal conductivity of MEMS devices, even through varying levels of thickness
  • Thin films: Understanding the role of microscale transport phenomena and the stability of transport properties in MEMS devices and solid oxide fuel cells

Leadership 

  • Eugene C. Gwaltney Jr. School Chair, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech
  • Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
  • Member, Air Force Scientific Advisory Board