Iftikhar Ahmad

Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of South Carolina's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. He joined the faculty in 2018 after eight years in industry as a Senior Scientist developing ultra-wide bandgap materials for UV-LEDs, and prior post-doctoral and research professor roles at USC. His expertise lies in the growth and characterization of wide bandgap semiconductors for advanced electronic and optoelectronic applications.

Dr. Ahmad earned his M.Sc. from Govt. College Lahore (ranking first in the state) and completed his M.S. and Ph.D. at Texas Tech University in 2003 and 2005, focusing on wide bandgap semiconductors. He furthered his training with post-doctoral work at Virginia Commonwealth University in MBE and MOCVD growth techniques. His educational background established the foundation for his current research in semiconductor materials engineering.

His research centers on ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors, especially gallium oxide and boron nitride, for applications in deep UV LEDs and high-power electronics. He explores novel MOCVD growth methods for these materials and their integration with traditional III-nitrides (AlGaN) to advance device performance in optoelectronics and power electronics. Current projects focus on defect engineering, phase stabilization, and device fabrication for next-generation semiconductor technologies.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on β-Ga2O3 and h-BN for next-generation devices. Key themes include MOCVD growth optimization, defect characterization, and device integration for radiation detectors, high-temperature transistors, and UV emitters. His work bridges materials science and electrical engineering to address critical challenges in wide bandgap semiconductor technology, with increasing focus on computational modeling and industrial applications.

No scientific awards or fellowships were mentioned in the provided materials. Regarding advising, while specific students are not listed, Dr. Ahmad teaches core courses including Introduction to Microelectronics (ELCT 363) and Advanced Semiconductor Materials (ELCT 874), indicating active engagement in graduate and undergraduate education. Grant details are not specified, but his laboratory operations suggest external funding support for semiconductor research.

Dr. Ahmad leads the Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductor Laboratory, equipped with an MOCVD growth system, Oceanoptics spectrometer, and comprehensive characterization tools for electrical, optical, and atomic force microscopy. The lab supports research in materials growth, device fabrication, and testing, fostering innovation in semiconductor technology through collaborations with industry and government research programs.