Steven DenBaars

Steven DenBaars is a Professor of Materials and Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he holds the Mitsubishi Chemical Chair in Solid State Lighting and Displays. He serves as Director of the Institute for Energy Efficiency and Executive Director of the Solid State Lighting and Energy Electronics Center (SSLEEC).

• PhD, Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California
• BS, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Arizona
• MS, Materials Science, University of Southern California

His research revolves around the growth and application of wide-bandgap (GaN-based) semiconductors for blue LEDs, laser diodes, high-power electronics, and quantum technologies. Key areas include MOCVD of III-V compound materials, strain engineering, and device fabrication.

Recent publications highlight advancements in GaN-based microLEDs for quantum random number generation, UV LED efficiency, laser diode design, and strain relaxation techniques. Subfields span tunnel junctions, V-defect engineering, and metasurface light-emitting structures.

• 2021 ISCS Quantum Devices Award
• 2010 IEEE Photonics Society Aron Kressel Award
• 2008 JSAP Outstanding Paper Award
• 2005 IEEE Fellow
• 2014 National Academy of Inventors Fellow
• 2021 Central Coast Innovation Award
• Member, U.S. National Academy of Engineering

He has co-founded four compound semiconductor companies (Nitres, Soraa, SLD Laser, Akoustis) and holds over 150 U.S. patents. His research group at UCSB includes 11 graduate students and postdocs focusing on III-nitride materials for optoelectronics and quantum applications.

DenBaars leads the SSLEEC, a multidisciplinary lab advancing solid-state lighting and energy-efficient electronics through semiconductor innovation.