Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The Department of Defense (DoD) is investing in the development of Silicon Carbide (SiC) for a wide range of applications. Over the past year, SiC technology has demonstrated excellent device performance results for power devices, high temperature electronic devices and microwave devices. The materials growth and processing technology for SiC is now at a level of sufficient maturity to support substantial device development efforts. While there is still considerable materials and device research required for SiC to achieve it's full potential, the fundamental technology has been proven for several critical applications. A perspective on some Air Force device performance requirements will be presented. The status of SiC materials development, material limits to advances in device performance and issues relating to supporting technology will also be discussed.