Leon Fauth

Who are you and what is your research topic?
My name is Leon Fauth and I'm working at the Institute for Drive Systems and Power Electronics at Leibniz Universität Hannover. I am researching power electronics systems that we all know from our power supplies for cell phones and laptops and from electric cars. Such systems are also necessary for the implementation of electrically powered aircraft.

Which research question are you working on?
In the cluster of excellence, I deal with the influence of radiation on the latest generation of power semiconductors. The cosmic radiation comes from space and can lead to sudden errors or failures in all electronic systems. To use electronic systems in aviation, the error rates must therefore be known and very low.

What inspires you about your research?
On the one hand, I can research the latest generation of power semiconductors, which in itself is very exciting. In addition, I deal with the physics of high-altitude radiation, which is of course a challenge. The combination of these topics is very appealing.

Why is your topic relevant for future aviation?
Without very efficient power electronics systems, the operation of electric or even hybrid-powered aircraft is not possible. These systems must have a very high level of reliability, even under the influence of the high radiation. Research into this topic is therefore essential.

What is special about participating in the interdisciplinary research network SE²A?
The special thing is that there is an expert on all questions you have. In addition, the broad subject area leads to the consideration of new questions and relationships that would otherwise have been overlooked.