Press release submitted on behalf of Crystal IS.
Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, announced the successful serial production of 100 mm diameter single-crystal aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates with 99% usable area, based on current requirements for UVC LEDs, with manufacturing to take place in the United States. The ultra-wide bandgap and high thermal conductivity of AlN help to improve device reliability and performance in UVC LEDs and other 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. “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.”
This achievement follows the company’s announcement of the first-ever recorded 100 mm diameter in August 2023, which won an excellence award at Semiconductor of the Year in electronic materials for the Semiconductors Category. The Semiconductor of the Year Awards are organized by Electronic Device Industry News, an industry journal published in Tokyo by SangyoTimes Inc.
Crystal IS manufactures bulk single crystal aluminum nitride 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 aluminum nitride substrates as it integrates into existing fabrication lines for RF and power devices using alternative materials. The company plans to offer 100 mm diameter substrates, which will be exclusively manufactured in its US facility, to key partners this year as they continue to expand beyond UVC LEDs.
About Crystal IS
Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei company, is the leader in aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates and UVC LEDs. Crystal IS’ AlN-based UVC LEDs deliver better performance in the ideal germicidal range from 260 – 270 nm to enable sustainable, mercury-free disinfection of water, air and surfaces to ensure healthy life and living around the world. The company was founded in 1997 out of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York and was later acquired by Asahi Kasei, a global materials and chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in 2011. In 2023, Crystal IS reported the world’s first 100 mm diameter single-crystal AIN substrate and is exploring new market applications for the material. For more information, visit cisuvc.com.
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.
Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.
For more information on aluminum nitride and Crystal IS products, visit cisuvc.com or contact [email protected].
