Nitride Semiconductors – IWN 2024

The 12th International Workshop on Nitride Semiconductors (IWN 2024) took place from November 3–8 in O’ahu, Hawai’i. This biennial workshop followed a long tradition of very successful meetings, with the previous locations being in Berlin (2022), Kanazawa (2018), Orlando (2016), Wroclaw (2014), Sapporo (2012), Tampa (2010), Montreux (2008), Kyoto (2006), Pittsburgh (2004), Aachen (2002), and Nagoya (2000). The IWN 2024 brought together researchers from around the world to discuss the latest advances in the field of III-Nitride semiconductors. The conference was organized by Zlatko Sitar and Ramon Collazo (both NC State University, USA) as chairs. Alan Doolittle from the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) was the Program Chair and Hiroshi Fujioka (The University of Tokyo, Japan), Juergen Christen (Magdeburg University, Germany), and Christian Wetzel (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA) served as regional chairs for Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It was a special pleasure to have Asif Khan (University of South Carolina, USA) and Russell Dupuis (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA) as Honorary Chairs and to celebrate their decades long contribution to III-Nitride research and development. As always, the overall effort was overseen by the International Advisory Committee. The workshop comprised joint plenary sessions, parallel topical symposia, poster sessions, evening rump sessions and an industrial exhibit. The plenary sessions were designed to encourage a lively discussion and highlight recent topics of interest in III-Nitrides. The plenary speakers were chosen from both, academia and industry, and included Isik Kizilyalli, (Stanford University) who talked about the critical role of III-Nitride based energy technologies and power electronics for a wide variety of applications, Xinqiang Wang (Peking University), who discussed efforts to increase efficiency of red LEDs, Chris Van De Walle (University of California at Santa Barbara), who highlighted the potential of III-Nitrides for future quantum applications, Zetian Mi (University of Michigan), who talked about challenges and opportunities for ferroelectric nitride semiconductors, Yoichi Kawakami (Kyoto University), who presented on recent advances in the field of AlGaN based DUV emitters, Subhashish Bhattacharya (NC State University), who summarized challenges and opportunities for GaN HEMT enabled high power converters, Czeslaw Skierbiszewski (Polish Academy of Sciences), who offered insights into tunnel junctions for novel Nitride optoelectronic devices, and Debdeep Jena (Cornell University), who introduced Aluminum Nitride electronics and their future. The topical sessions were focusing on growth, characterization, optoelectronic and electronic devices, as well as novel materials and nanostructures. Three parallel rump sessions allowed for in- depth discussions on specific topics identified as critical for future innovation and included “Future of III-Nitride Power Electronics”, “Novel Nitride Materials”, and “Challenges in UVC Emitters - LEDs and Lasers”. In addition to the scientific program a wide range of social activities was offered including a “Welcome Reception” on Sunday, a session discussing the impact of “Women in Nitrides” (panel discussion), a “Luau Banquet”, and several excursions. The 2024 International Workshop on Nitride Semiconductors (IWN 2024) successfully brought together a global community of over 700 researchers, industry leaders, and students to advance the field of III-Nitride semiconductors. Attendees from over 25 countries participated. Overall, 690 abstracts and 39 late news were submitted for consideration for the conference. Out of these submissions, the field of electronic materials had the largest share with almost 30% of all abstracts. On the other hand, novel materials attracted only 6% of all abstracts with the rest of the topics being represented almost equally. From these abstracts about 95% were accepted and eventually 50% presented as oral presentations and 40% as posters (5% were withdrawn). A significant focus was placed on enhancing engagement with industry, highlighted by an industrial exhibition featuring 15 companies showcasing innovations in materials, devices, and manufacturing tools. By bringing together leading experts from academia, government, and private industry, the conference encouraged discussions that bridge fundamental research and real-world technology deployment. The organizers want to express their special thanks to all plenary and invited speakers, rump session chairs, and panelists. Furthermore, the organizers are grateful for all contributions from the members of the program committee and symposium chairs as well as the McKimmon Center and staff at NC State University for support in organizing the conference. They would also like to recognize the industrial sponsors for their generous financial support including the conference's platinum sponsors Adroit Materials, NC State College of Engineering, and the National Science Foundation. A key intellectual outcome of the conference is the publication of reviewed research articles in this special issue physica status solidi, ensuring that the scientific advancements shared at the event are disseminated to the broader community. Following a decades long tradition for IWN, all authors were invited to submit their research to pss (a) and pss (b). In total 60 articles were submitted which resulted in 37 accepted articles in pss (a) and 22 research articles in pss (b). This includes one review article by Takashi Matsuoka discussing “The Underemphasized Concept of Crystal Polarity in Conventional Semiconductors and Its Device Application”. Manuscripts underwent rigorous peer review ensuring consistency, technical quality, and alignment with IWN's thematic scope. We believe this special issue of pss (a) and pss (b) presents great summary ongoing research in III-Nitrides and thank all authors. In conclusion, the IWN 2024 once again provided a strong platform for III-Nitride researchers to exchange ideas. With exceptional scientific presentations, and strong engagement from both academia and industry, the workshop reflected the continued vitality and innovation of the nitride community. On behalf of the IWN 2024 chairs, we thank all involved in the organization and all participants attending and look forward to the next workshop in November 8–13, 2026 in Kumamoto, Japan. Ronny Kirste, Gordon Callsen, Biplab Sarkar