Strategies unlimited predicts increasing role for advanced substrates for gallium nitride devices

However, according to Strategies Unlimited’s recently released report Substrates for GaN-Based Devices: Performance Comparisons and Market Assessment, increasing demand for blue-violet laser diodes, UV LEDs and high-power, high-frequency electronic devices will provide significant market opportunities for advanced substrates such as gallium nitride and aluminum nitride. These substrates will be needed to provide the lattice matching and thermal characteristics necessary to produce high-performance devices at high yields. A number of companies are in a position to provide such substrates as the market expands. These include larger established companies such as Sumitomo Electric, Cree and Samsung Corning, as well as smaller technology-focused startups such as Crystal IS, The Fox Group, Kyma, Lumilog, TDI and TopGaN. The effort to develop advanced substrates, as well as to improve conventional substrate properties (e.g. three-inch and larger diameter sapphire and silicon carbide), is worldwide in scope and includes 48 companies and 118 universities and research centers.

Based on the forecast demand for high-brightness LEDs, blue-violet laser diodes, and high-power, high-frequency electronic devices, the worldwide demand for substrates for gallium nitride devices is forecast to grow from $340 million in 2006 to $880 million in 2010. Advanced substrates such as gallium nitride and aluminum nitride are predicted to comprise more than one-half of the market in 2010.

Substrates for GaN-Based Devices: Performance Comparisons and Market Assessment provides: in-depth comparisons of the suitability and performance of substrates (sapphire, silicon carbide, silicon, gallium nitride and aluminum nitride) for different types of GaN-based devices; descriptions of the state of the art in producing advanced substrate materials; profiles of the leading organizations involved in substrate development and production; and forecasts of both GaN-based devices and substrates through 2010. The report is available for immediate delivery from Strategies Unlimited for $3,450. More information on the report is available from Tim Carli, Sales Manager, telephone +1 650-941-3438 ext. 23, or e-mail tcarli@strategies-u.com.

Founded in 1979, Strategies Unlimited specializes in market research and strategic consulting directed at the compound semiconductor materials, optoelectronic, optical networking, and RF/wireless semiconductor industries. The company, based in Mountain View, California, is a research unit of PennWell Corporation.

PennWell Corporation, founded in 1910, is a highly diversified media and information company providing authoritative publications, conferences and exhibitions, databases, information products and Internet-based services to strategic markets worldwide. Its headquarters are in Nashua, NH, and Tulsa, OK, with remote offices and partners located around the globe.