Hieu P. Nguyen

Hieu P. Nguyen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Texas Tech University's Whitacre College of Engineering. He directs the Wide/Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductors Laboratory, focusing on cutting-edge semiconductor research and development.

Dr. Nguyen earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from McGill University (2012), MS in Electrical Engineering from Ajou University (2009), and BS in Physics from Vietnam National University (2005). His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both physics and electrical engineering, which informs his interdisciplinary research approach.

His research spans wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductors with particular emphasis on epitaxial growth, fabrication, and characterization of oxide and nitride semiconductors. He investigates nanostructured photonics including LEDs, laser diodes, waveguides, and photodetectors, with applications in flexible electronics, micro-displays, and AR/VR technologies. His work also addresses surface/air/water disinfection, quantum photonics, and III-nitride/oxide-based memory devices and transistors.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on gallium oxide (β-Ga₂O₃) and III-nitride semiconductor systems, with significant contributions to HEMT technology, UV LEDs, and nanowire-based optoelectronic devices. His research demonstrates consistent innovation in device architecture and performance enhancement.

Dr. Nguyen teaches several key courses including ECE 4362/5362 Modern Optics, ECE 3311 Electronics, ECE 4381 VLSI Processing, and ECE 5381 Introduction to Semiconductor Processing, bridging his research expertise with classroom instruction.

His laboratory is equipped with advanced facilities including Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) Systems, Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD), Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (MPCVD) Systems, and comprehensive optical/electrical characterization tools, enabling comprehensive materials research and device development.