Joseph John Sumakeris

Title: Joseph John Sumakeris: Innovator in Silicon Carbide Technology

Introduction

Joseph John Sumakeris, based in Apex, North Carolina, is a distinguished inventor with a significant impact in the field of silicon carbide technology. With a remarkable portfolio of 24 patents, his contributions to semiconductor materials have revolutionized various applications in electronics and power devices.

Latest Patents

Two of his latest patents demonstrate innovative approaches in managing defects within silicon carbide epitaxial layers. The first patent addresses the reduction of carrot defects in silicon carbide epitaxy. This inventive process involves placing a substrate in an epitaxial growth reactor, initiating the growth of a silicon carbide layer, then strategically interrupting the growth. This interruption allows for etching the layer to enhance its quality before regrowing a second layer, which can terminate defects typically associated with the epitaxy process. The methodology of growth interruption, etching, and regrowth can be repeated multiple times, resulting in a high-quality silicon carbide epitaxial layer with fewer defects.

The second notable patent focuses on high power silicon carbide (SiC) PiN diodes, which are engineered to have a reverse blocking voltage ranging from 3.0 kV to 10.0 kV and forward voltage drops of less than 4.3 V. These improvements in diode performance directly contribute to the efficiency and reliability of semiconductor devices.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Sumakeris has made significant strides working with esteemed organizations. He has held positions at Cree GmbH, a leader in silicon carbide applications, and The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy. His work in these organizations has allowed him to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology and contributed to advancements in power electronics.

Collaborations

In the course of his professional journey, Joseph has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Michael James Paisley and Michael O'Loughlin. These collaborations have been instrumental in fostering innovation and integrating diverse expertise in tackling challenging engineering problems.

Conclusion

Joseph John Sumakeris stands out as a pivotal figure in the semiconductor industry, particularly for his innovative solutions in silicon carbide technology. His extensive patent portfolio demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the performance of electronic components, significantly impacting the future of power devices. Through his innovations, he continues to shape advancements in the field, promising new horizons for the technology that fuels modern electronics.