Bulletin

Issue: January/February 2008

News

Electronic engineering link with Thailand

Electronic engineers from La Trobe University are helping boost research in Thailand by teaching techniques for analysing semiconductors at Udon Thani Rajabhat University to make solar cells.

The initiative is headed by Dr Brian Usher and sponsored by Australian Business Volunteers. With La Trobe recently acquiring a new X-ray diffraction facility, Dr Usher sent his former system to the Physics Department at Udon Thani. He spent two months there over the summer vacation — accompanied by Saowalak Saengkae, a Thai Masters' student — installing the equipment and training staff how to use it.

The donation followed an earlier visit when Dr Usher spent a month at the Thai university teaching about semiconductor materials and devices. 'With this equipment they will develop a deeper understanding which will facilitate their entry into solar cell research. Udon Thani will also fund one of its staff to carry out PhD research at La Trobe,' Dr Usher said.