Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei company, has announced the successful serial production of 100 mm diameter single-crystal aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates. Specifically, it has 99% usable area, based on current requirements for UVC LEDs. The manufacturing of the substrates will take place in the United States.

The substrates’ ultra-wide bandgap and high thermal conductivity help to improve device reliability and performance. Accordingly, this is applicable not only in UVC LEDs but also in next-generation RF and power devices.

“The improvement of our large diameter substrate quality over the last nine months showcases the expertise of our team in Crystal Growth,” said Eoin Connolly, President and CEO of Crystal IS. In addition, Connolly said, “The inherent thermal benefits of aluminum nitride can enable higher-performing RF and power devices in mission-critical and telecom applications—we are excited to work with our partners to further develop this material to meet their needs.”

Accelerates Development of New Applications

This achievement follows the company’s announcement of the first-ever recorded 100 mm diameter in August 2023. Particularly, this won the Grand Prize in the category of Electronic Materials for Semiconductors in the 2024 Semiconductor of the Year Awards. Electronic Device Industry News, an industry journal published in Tokyo by Sangyo Times, Inc., published the Semiconductor of the Year Awards.

Crystal IS manufactures bulk single crystal AlN substrates at its headquarters in Green Island, New York, and began selling 2-inch diameter substrates for research and development in RF and power devices in late 2023. This 100 mm diameter milestone accelerates the development of new applications on AlN substrates as it integrates into existing fabrication lines for RF and power devices using alternative materials. Moreover, the company plans to offer 100 mm diameter substrates to key partners this year they continue to expand beyond UVC LEDs.. Accordingly, they will exclusively manufacture the substrate in its U.S. facility.

About Crystal IS

Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei company, is the leader in aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates and UVC LEDs. Accordingly, Crystal IS’ AlN-based UVC LEDs deliver better performance in the ideal germicidal range from 260 – 270nm to enable sustainable, mercury-free disinfection of water, air and surfaces. This ensures healthy life and living around the world.

The company got its start in 1997 out of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York. Later on, Asahi Kasei acquired acquired them. In 2023, Crystal IS reported the world’s first 100 mm diameter single-crystal AlN substrate and is exploring new market applications for the material.

13 June 2024