More eco-friendly energy sources with nanoelectronics 

How can nanoelectronics be a key to improve road safety, make the world more eco-friendly and streamline the industry? These are some of the questions answered in this interview with Jan Andersson, Department manager at Nanoelectronics.

• Hi Jan, you work as Department manager of Nanoelectronics at Acreo. What is most up to date in your research area right now?

Primarily there are two things. First of all we seek to develop silicon carbide sensors. Silicon carbide will be the key for the realisation of intelligent integrated electronic power modules and extremely compact, light efficient power electronic systems. By this we will be able to help the industry to produce for example more efficient electric and hybrid vehicles and more environmentally friendly energy sources, which will play a crucial role in replacing fossil fuel by clean electric energy.

Another thing we focus on is to make good results within IMAGIC, an institute centre where we collaborate with industry and university partners to realise next generation electronic imaging devices for non-visible wavelengths at X-ray, UV, IR and THz.

• How does your research stand internationally?

When it comes to the areas mentioned above, IR imaging and silicon carbide, we are in the forefront of the development. The competitiveness always depends on how much resource we have and how much money is invested in our research. The more focus, the more prominent.

• What is the biggest difference between being a scientist at Acreo and at a university?

As a research institute Acreo's role is to transfer research result to the industry. One of our most important momenta is to make benefits for the society based on our research. As a scientist at Acreo you can make a direct difference for the industry based on your knowledge and our results. In comparison to this the university’s primary role is to do research and to educate.

• In what way can nanoelectronics contribute to a better environment?

In countless ways! To name a few our image sensors can be used as tools for measurements of pollutants in the air, measurements to streamline hydropower and wind power. And silicon carbide to help the industry to produce more efficient electric and hybrid vehicles and more environmentally friendly energy sources.

• What do you hope your department has accomplished in five years?

In five years I hope our research on silicon carbide and imaging sensors are used by the industry. Silicon carbide for efficiency of energy sources and for clean energy, and image sensors in cars for road safety. And hopefully we have started new interesting and innovative research fields for a better and smarter future. I hope we will develop and focus on life science – how nanoelectronics can be useful within healthcare. I think we will.

• How many people work at your department?

We are about 45 persons in Norrköping and Kista.

• How come you chose to work with nanoelectronics at Acreo?

For many reasons! First of all I have always been fascinated by the fact that something so small can make such a big difference. Imagine five to ten atoms in a row, that’s a nanometre! In other words it’s really small.

But most of all it is because we can realise things. At a university your research only results in a publication, that’s it. At a research institute you can go the whole way and make a difference, from research to a product on the market.

• What is required of me if I want to work at your department?

Either you have a master of engineering or you are a doctor from a technical college or likewise. You could also be a scientist, probably within physics or chemistry.

Read Press Release: Jan Andersson har utsetts till Adjungerad Professor inom Elektronik på Mittuniversitetet och Institutionen för informationsteknologi och medier.