Dat Tran completed his PhD at the Department of physics, chemistry and biology (IFM) at Link枚ping University (LiU), where he studied wide- and ultra-wide-bandgap semiconductors for power and radio-frequency electronics. His research focused on thermal conductivity and phonon transport in semiconductor device structures, areas that remain central to his work today.
From fundamental physics to practical challenges
Dat Tran's interest in semiconductors began twelve years ago. "I was fascinated by the fundamental role semiconductors play in technological progress and, more broadly, in shaping modern civilization.", he explains. This interest deepened during his doctoral studies, where he came to appreciate the importance of wide-bandgap semiconductors in enabling high-power technologies and supporting sustainable development.
After completing his PhD, he spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University, focusing on thermal challenges in wide-bandgap power electronics. Returning to Link枚ping University, he brought with him a clearer picture of the questions he wanted to pursue and the research direction he wanted to develop.
Improving the thermal performance of power electronics
Dat Tran's research combines fundamental studies of thermal transport with practical questions related to electronic devices. His work focuses on understanding how heat moves through wide-bandgap semiconductors and how thermal challenges can be addressed at the device level. To do this, he combines experimental characterisation with theoretical simulations, linking fundamental materials research with engineering solutions.
The overall aim is to improve the thermal performance, energy conversion efficiency and reliability of power electronic devices.
Supporting future electrification
As electrification continues to expand across energy systems, transportation and digital infrastructure, thermal management is becoming increasingly important. Dat Tran's research addresses challenges that can limit the performance and reliability of power electronics. By improving heat management in semiconductor devices, the work has the potential to contribute to more reliable and energy-efficient technologies.
"Our research aims to develop more reliable and energy-efficient power electronics by addressing the thermal challenges that limit device performance, reliability, and efficiency. As electrification expands across energy systems, transportation, and digital infrastructure, the success of our research can help strengthen power infrastructure, improve energy conversion efficiency, and eventually enable the development of sustainable technologies.", Dat Tran says about the longer term opportunities.听
Building a research programme at IFM
For Dat Tran, the new position provides an opportunity to establish an independent research
Olov Planthaber
An important part of that work will be the recruitment and training of young researchers. He says that "good research alone is not enough to develop future sustainable technologies. We also need to educate the next generation." In the coming years, he plans to recruit PhD students and create opportunities for them to develop as independent scientists. Collaboration plays a central role in Dat Tran's research. He describes national and international partnerships as essential, particularly in a field such as wide-bandgap semiconductors, where progress depends on expertise, extensive effort and collaborations and infrastructure spread across many research environments. His research will initially be supported by funding from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, while securing long-term funding will remain a key priority as he builds his research programme at LiU.Collaboration on a global scale
