20 February 2014

Bridgelux names former Cree and Micron technologist Cem Basceri as CTO

Bridgelux Inc of Livermore, CA, USA, vertically integrated LED manufacturer of solid-state light sources specifically for lighting applications, says that semiconductor industry veteran Dr Cem Basceri (previously on the firm’s advisory board) has joined its executive staff as chief technology officer, overseeing technology and product development programs.

Basceri’s charter will be to propel innovation, provide technology vision, drive technology differentiation and strategic technology investments, and increase intellectual property (IP) development. His aim is to fuel core technology programs and advance fast-cycle product creation; delivering efficient, high-performance and cost-effective product solutions, helping the firm to increase expand into new markets. Basceri will also be responsible for driving Bridgelux’s fabrication partnership with Tokyo-based semiconductor manufacturer Toshiba Corp and additional joint technology development activities related to this critical partnership around gallium nitride on silicon (GaN-on-Si) technology optimized for solid-state-lighting (SSL) applications.

“Basceri’s recruitment to the company further re-enforces both Bridgelux’s strategy and leadership in the convergence of LED and semiconductor technologies,” reckons CEO Brad Bullington. “Our next-generation SSL solutions will leverage GaN-on-Si and high-scale, chip-centric packaging technology to drive dramatic cost reduction while delivering improvements in features and functionality to our products,” he adds. “Basceri is well known in the industry as a pioneer of next-generation LEDs, and we look forward to aggressively driving our roadmap forward under his leadership.”

Prior to joining Bridgelux, Basceri was senior director & chief technologist in Corporate Development and Corporate R&D at memory manufacturer Micron Technology Inc for more than 10 years, during which he was responsible for establishing and mapping out technology, business and IP development strategies for existing and new market opportunities. Additionally, he managed and directed technology and product development teams. He also managed Micron’s Core Partnership Program at IMEC of Leuven, Belgium for 8-inch GaN Power and LED technology development programs. Most recently, Basceri’s responsibilities included strategic M&A, partnerships, investments, divestitures and technology licensing deals within Micron’s Corporate Development organization. He also served as chair of the Silicon & Systems Group’s advisory board and business unit representative in Micron’s TLP Global Technical Committee.

Previously, Basceri held management positions at Cree and Intrinsic Semiconductor, where he led wide-band gap (WBG) technology development programs. Basceri earned his Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University.

During his career, Basceri has conceived and designed many technology innovations, as evidenced by his 213 issued US patents. He has expertise in semiconductors and integrated solutions (including WBG technologies such as LED, SSL and Power/RF) and has published more than 25 technical articles in refereed journals.

Tags: Bridgelux LEDs

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