Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Iowa received a $583,391 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Materials Research under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049), awarded August 1, 2026, with completion targeted for July 31, 2029. This collaborative research initiative will develop and characterize bismide semiconductor materials—a new class of compound semiconductors that incorporate bismuth as a partial replacement for conventional Group V elements. The research team will grow, characterize, and simulate layered bismides specifically engineered to emit and absorb light in the midwave infrared range (3–4 micrometers), addressing current fundamental limitations that prevent existing compound semiconductors from operating effectively in this critical spectral band.

The project will deliver novel light emitters and detectors for midwave infrared applications, with direct applicability to eye-safe remote sensing in consumer electronics, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems for autonomous vehicles, and precision laser-based surgical procedures. Additionally, the research will produce advanced simulation tools for bismide materials to be released as open-source resources, supporting the broader research community. The award includes workforce development components through student training at multiple educational levels, contributing to the cultivation of a skilled semiconductor workforce in this emerging materials domain.