Siltronics Joins IMEC's GaN-on-Si Program on Power Semis, LEDs

Siltronic AG and the Belgian nano-electronics research institute IMEC will collaborate on the development of silicon wafers with a gallium nitride layer as partner of IMEC's GaN-on-Si industrial affiliation program (IIAP).

The endeavor aims to enable production of solid-state lighting and power semiconductors of the next generation on 200mm silicon wafers.

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a very promising material. Combining superior electron mobility, high breakdown voltage and good thermal conductivity, it is particularly suitable for optoelectronics and advanced power semiconductors. These are used, for example, in wind power turbines, solar power systems, electric vehicles and energy-saving kitchen appliances. In comparison with conventional, silicon-based applications, structures with GaN/(Al)GaN layers evidence a very efficient switching behavior. However, GaN technology still needs further refinement to also be economically competitive. To achieve this, inexpensive and efficient production methods for epitaxial deposition of GaN/(Al)GaN structures on larger-diameter silicon wafers are very promising.

Siltronic can draw on decades of experience in epitaxial deposition of materials on silicon substrates. Imec is a pioneer in the area of GaN deposition on silicon substrates with diameters of 2-6in. Economies of scale in the production of 200mm wafers could significantly reduce the manufacturing costs for GaN-based LEDs and power semiconductors.

In addition to Siltronic, other participants such as integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), foundries, silicon compound producers and substrate manufacturers are also involved in this multinational research platform.

Siltronic will actively use the facilities and technical resources of IMEC in Leuven, Belgium. This coordinated on-site approach enables inter-company collaboration between all involved partners, while at the same time providing very early access to process and equipment technology for the next generation of LEDs and power semiconductors.

Siltronic

IMEC