Silicon-on-Sapphire (SoS) Wafers

Silicon-on-Sapphire (SoS) wafers combine a high-quality silicon device layer with an insulating sapphire substrate, making them ideal for RF integrated circuits, MEMS, silicon photonics, radiation-hardened electronics, and other high-frequency semiconductor applications. Browse available inventory or request custom SoS wafer specifications for your research and development project.

UW Logo

Get Your Silicon-on-Sapphire Quote FAST!

UniversityWafer supplies Silicon-on-Sapphire (SoS) wafers for research and development in RF electronics, MEMS, photonics, radiation-hardened integrated circuits, and high-speed CMOS technologies. Whether you need standard inventory or custom specifications, our wafer specialists can help you find the right substrate for your project.

Request Your Quote Today! Or, Buy Online and Start Researching Today!





Available Silicon-on-Sapphire Inventory

We maintain an inventory of research-grade Silicon-on-Sapphire (SoS) wafers in multiple diameters, silicon layer thicknesses, crystal orientations, and substrate specifications. If you do not see the exact wafer you need, we can source or manufacture custom SoS substrates for prototype development and volume production.

  • Standard and custom wafer diameters
  • Various silicon device layer thicknesses
  • <100>, <111>, and other crystal orientations
  • Single-side and double-side polished options
  • Research, pilot production, and commercial quantities

What are Silicon-on-Sapphire (SoS) Wafers?

Silicon-on-Sapphire (SoS) wafers consist of a thin, single-crystal silicon layer epitaxially grown on a sapphire (Al2O3) substrate. Because sapphire is an excellent electrical insulator with high thermal stability, SoS technology significantly reduces parasitic capacitance and substrate losses compared to conventional bulk silicon. The result is faster device performance, lower power consumption, and improved isolation for high-frequency integrated circuits.

Silicon-on-Sapphire (SoS) wafer

Common Applications of SoS Wafers

Silicon-on-Sapphire substrates are widely used in advanced semiconductor research and commercial device fabrication, including:

  • RF and microwave integrated circuits (RFICs)
  • High-speed CMOS electronics
  • 5G and wireless communication devices
  • Radiation-hardened electronics for aerospace and defense
  • MEMS sensors and actuators
  • Silicon photonics and optoelectronics
  • Mixed-signal and analog integrated circuits
  • High-frequency, low-noise amplifiers
Silicon-on-sapphire SOS wafer applications for RF and microwave devices, CMOS, MEMS, sensors, photonics and radiation-tolerant electronics

Why Choose Silicon-on-Sapphire?

Researchers choose SoS wafers because the insulating sapphire substrate minimizes electrical crosstalk while improving signal integrity and device reliability. Silicon-on-Sapphire technology also offers excellent resistance to radiation-induced latch-up, making it an ideal platform for space electronics, military systems, and other harsh-environment applications where long-term reliability is essential.

Related Silicon-on-Sapphire Resources