Laser Thermal Partners with Louisiana Tech University to Advance Semiconductor Research

January 24, 2025by John Gaskins

Laser Thermal is pleased to announce that we have recently secured a contract with Louisiana Tech University to enhance its semiconductor research capabilities. This partnership will bring cutting-edge technology to the University’s Institute for Micromanufacturing (IfM) with the installation of the SSTR-F tool, a state-of-the-art steady-state thermoreflectance in fiber tool. This new equipment will be housed in the IfM’s shared metrology laboratory, supporting both academic and industrial research in semiconductor technologies.

Pushing Semiconductor Research Forward with the SSTR-F Tool

The SSTR-F tool is a game-changer in the world of thermal property measurement. Known for its non-destructive testing capabilities and high-throughput design, it is poised to advance research across various sectors, including microtechnology, nanotechnology, and semiconductor technologies. With funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this acquisition underscores the growing collaboration between academia, industry, and government to address the current challenges in the semiconductor sector, including the shortage of domestically produced and trusted microelectronics.

An “Invaluable Resource” For Research and Collaboration

Dr. Arden Moore, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute for Micromanufacturing, emphasized the tool’s significance, saying, “The Laser Thermal tool aligns perfectly with our goals. Its industry-friendly design and non-destructive testing capabilities make it an invaluable resource for semiconductor research and industrial collaborations.” The SSTR-F will play a key role in supporting projects related to thermal management in electronics, defect detection, and the characterization of innovative materials and structures.

Strengthening Workforce Development and Industrial Partnerships

This partnership also aims to strengthen Louisiana Tech’s role in workforce development, industrial partnerships, and advancing the domestic semiconductor manufacturing sector. By focusing on education, research, and innovation, Louisiana Tech seeks to reclaim and grow the nation’s expertise in microelectronics, creating high-tech jobs and contributing to economic growth in Louisiana.

Laser Thermal is Driving Innovation in Semiconductor Technology

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, Laser Thermal specializes in providing advanced thermal measurement solutions for materials at all length scales. With its cutting-edge optical technologies, the company offers a range of services, including contract testing and tool sales, aimed at delivering accurate and efficient thermal property measurements across diverse industries. This partnership with Louisiana Tech is just one example of how Laser Thermal is driving innovation and research in critical sectors like semiconductor technology, helping to shape the future of manufacturing and materials science.

Schedule a call to discuss the ways SSTR-F could revolutionize and streamline the research being conducted in your lab. Discover the difference precision thermal measurement can make in your work today.

John Gaskins

As Co-Founder and CEO of Laser Thermal, John has conducted research characterizing the mechanical, optical and thermal properties of materials for almost two decades. John received his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia in 2013.  His work developed methodologies for testing the size dependent properties in thin film structures.  After his Ph.D. John joined Patrick Hopkins’ group extending his Ph.D. work focused on mechanical property characterization to optical and thermal properties. John is leading Laser Thermal’s development of SSTR-F to provide accessible small-scale thermal conductivity measurements to industrial and academic partners.