Substrates for GaN-Based Devices: Performance Comparisons and Market Assessment - 2009

Abstract

GALLIUM NITRIDE has been the subject of intensive research and product development over the past fifteen years. Since 2000, GaN research activities have intensified around the world. The number of companies and research centers with GaN activity has increased to over 700 organizations in 2009 from roughly 350 such organizations identified in 2000.

Blue, green, and white LED technology has continued its large-scale commercial growth, helping the GaN device market to reach nearly $4.6 billion in 2008. White LEDs are responsible for well over 50% of the total GaN related LED market.

Future high-growth GaN devices include high-power LEDs for lighting, electronic devices, and laser diodes. The latter will be used in the next generation of optical storage technology and their development will be spurred by increasing availability of GaN and AlN substrates.

R&D ISSUES AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS are reviewed along with the status of the technology emphasizing major breakthroughs that have occurred. Research activities are highlighted for deposited and bulk crystal growth/substrates for:

• Sapphire
• SiC
• GaN
• AlN
• GaN-on-Si

Highlights of this Report include:

• Basic physical properties of the substrate materials being compared
• Compatibility of substrates with deposited compound semiconductor layers
• Device performance, yield, and reliability comparisons as a function of substrate material.
• Substrate/device market status and projections through 2013
• Major applications for which each substrate is best suited

• MARKET FORECAST of the worldwide substrate and electronic device market for through 2013 for LEDs, laser diodes, and electronic devices.
• MAJOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIERS and potential suppliers are profiled.
• UNIVERSITIES/RESEARCH CENTERS with active substrate development programs are identified with key contacts noted.
• GOVERNMENT AGENCIES promoting substrate development are listed.
• A BIBLIOGRAPHY with references to some of the most significant advances in substrate and device technology since 2006 is presented.