Micron Technology, Applied Materials, and Ultratech have joined the imec
industrial affiliation program (IIAP) on GaN-on-Si technology. This multi-partner
R+D program focuses on the development of GaN-on-Si (gallium nitride-on-silicon)
process and equipment technologies for manufacturing solid state lighting (e.g.
LEDs) and next-generation power electronics components on 8-inch Si wafers.
Gallium nitride is a promising material for optoelectronics and advanced power
electronic components, offering higher breakdown voltage and current capacity
than silicon which is used in most components today. However, to make GaN-based
devices a competitive alternative to silicon devices, GaN manufacturing technology
needs to achieve the same economies of scale. Today, state-of-the-art LED manufacturing
processes are typically performed on expensive 4 inch sapphire substrates. By
depositing the GaN material on 8 inch silicon substrates, the productivity of
GaN-based device manufacturing can be significantly increased. In addition,
imec’s GaN-on-Si program is utilizing an Applied Materials mainframe to
develop 8 inch GaN-on-Si technology that is compatible with the CMOS fab infrastructure.
This can further enhance productivity and result in lowering device cost.
The multi-partner GaN R&D program, launched in 2009, aims to reduce the
cost and improve the performance of GaN devices. This program brings together
leading integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), foundries, compound semiconductor
companies, equipment suppliers and substrate suppliers to develop 8 inch GaN
technology. The IIAP builds on imec’s excellent track record in GaN epi-layer
growth, new device concepts and CMOS device integration.
Micron Technology, Applied Materials, and Ultratech will actively participate
in the IIAP at imec in Leuven, Belgium. This on-site participation enables the
partner companies to have early access to next-generation LED and power electronics
processes, equipment and technologies.
Rudi Cartuyvels, Vice President & General Manager Process Technology at
imec stated: “We are excited to welcome 3 major companies to our GaN-on-Si
IIAP. Less than a year after the program’s launch in July 2009, we have
assembled a strong consortium, including IDMs and equipment suppliers, and we
expect more companies to join in the near future. This collaboration reflects
the value of imec’s research on GaN-on-Si as a reliable cost-effective
solution for next-generation LED and power electronics devices.”
Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its
scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in
ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions.
In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed
to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society.
Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands,
Taiwan, US, China and Japan. Its staff of more than 1,750 people includes over
550 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2009, imec's revenue (P&L)
was 275 million euro.
Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a
legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut”),
imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands
(Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch
Government), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics
(Shangai) Co. Ltd.).