Semiconductor Substrates for Research and Production

Ga Thin Film Deposited On Semiconductor Substrates

A PhD candidate requested a quote for the following.

I am interested in the Ga evaporation. Since Ga is liquid at 36 degree C, how can you make a smooth Ga layer on the substrate? Do you have any SEM and/or AFM to show the surface smoothness of the Ga film you got? I am looking for continuously Ga thin film (a few nanometre) on semiconductor substrate (e.g., GaAs, Si, SiO2/Si, sapphire, etc.) with good smoothness.

Reference #168968 for specs and pricing.

Get Your Quote FAST! Or, Buy Online and Start Researching Today!

Your Name:

Company:

Your email:

Your message:

Send

Example Applications by Industry

Consumer Electronics

• Si for standard chips (CPU, GPU, memory)

• SOI for smartphones and RF switches

• GaAs in Wi-Fi chips and 5G RF front-ends

Automotive

• SiC for power electronics in electric vehicles (EVs)

• GaN in fast charging and inverters

LED and Lighting

• Sapphire and SiC as substrates for GaN-based blue/white LEDs

Telecommunications and 5G

• InP, GaAs, SOI, GaN for RF and photonic components

Aerospace and Defense

• GaN, GaAs, InP for radar, secure communications, space electronics

Medical Devices

• Si, MEMS on SOI, LN for biosensors, ultrasound transducers

Photovoltaics

• Si wafers in solar panels

• GaAs and InP in high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells

 

Single Crystalline GaN On an N-type Semiconductor

A government scientist requested a quote for the following.

I hope you are doing well. I am emailing you to check the availability of GaN wafers. For our research, we need; Single crystalline GaN On an n-type semiconductorsubstrate (preferably n-type Si) (what other options, if not available?) 5um to 10um thick GaN 150 mm diameter (this is not so critical) Single or both sides polished (not preference). Quantity: a pack of 10 wafers Hope this information is enough to provide me with a quote or availability/lead-time information. 

UniversityWafer, Inc. Quoted:

GaN (5um) on an n-type Si substrate
Single crystalline undoped GaN
On an n-type semiconductor substrate (preferably n-type Si)
~5um thick GaN
150 mm diameter 
Single side polished
Quantity: a pack of 10 wafers - Ask about buying one wafer

Reference #270167 for specs and pricing.

 

What Are Semiconductor Substrates?

Semiconductor substrates are the base materials upon which microelectronic and optoelectronic devices are fabricated. These substrates serve as the foundational platform for building integrated circuits (ICs), sensors, LEDs, lasers, MEMS, and other semiconductor devices. They can be made from elemental semiconductors like silicon, compound semiconductors like gallium arsenide (GaAs), or even insulating materials when used in combination with thin films of semiconductors.

---

👨‍💼 Job Titles That Use Semiconductor Substrates

People who work with semiconductor substrates span across R&D, engineering, and production. Common job titles include:

Process Engineer
A Process Engineer develops, optimizes, and maintains manufacturing processes in semiconductor fabrication. They design workflows for producing devices on silicon wafers, ensuring precision, repeatability, and high yield. Their responsibilities often include tuning etching, deposition, photolithography, and implantation steps while working closely with equipment and quality teams to resolve issues and improve process integration.

Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists investigate and develop new materials with specific electrical, thermal, or optical properties for use in microelectronics. In the semiconductor industry, they focus on thin films, dielectrics, and emerging materials like 2D semiconductors, often characterizing crystal structures, chemical composition, and interfaces to improve performance and reliability in device applications.

Semiconductor Device Engineer
Semiconductor Device Engineers focus on the design, simulation, and electrical characterization of transistors, diodes, and other solid-state components. They bridge the gap between materials and circuits by understanding how fabrication impacts device performance, and they often work on scaling devices, improving efficiency, and reducing leakage in next-generation technologies.

MEMS Engineer
MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) Engineers design and develop miniature devices like sensors, actuators, and resonators integrated on silicon substrates. They combine mechanical design, electrical engineering, and microfabrication techniques to create systems used in consumer electronics, biomedical devices, and automotive applications. Their work requires precise modeling and extensive cleanroom processing.

Packaging Engineer
A Packaging Engineer works on enclosing and protecting semiconductor devices after fabrication. They design and test solutions for thermal management, signal integrity, and mechanical reliability, ensuring chips can be connected to circuit boards without compromising performance. Their role is critical in final product integration, especially for high-density and high-power applications.

Wafer Fabrication Technician
Wafer Fabrication Technicians operate and maintain equipment used to produce semiconductor devices in cleanrooms. They follow detailed process instructions to carry out steps like lithography, etching, deposition, and inspection. Their careful handling of wafers and adherence to protocols directly impact yield and device quality.

Photonics Engineer
Photonics Engineers design and develop devices that manipulate light, such as lasers, modulators, and photodetectors, often for use in optical communication or sensing systems. In semiconductor contexts, they may integrate photonic components on silicon substrates, optimizing materials and structures for efficient light generation, transmission, and detection.

Epitaxy Engineer
Epitaxy Engineers specialize in the controlled growth of crystalline layers on semiconductor wafers using methods like MOCVD or MBE. They ensure high purity and precise control over layer thickness, doping, and composition, which is vital for producing compound semiconductors and advanced CMOS structures. Their expertise supports high-performance transistors, LEDs, and solar cells.

Failure Analysis Engineer
Failure Analysis Engineers investigate defects and breakdowns in semiconductor devices. Using techniques like electron microscopy, FIB cross-sectioning, and electrical probing, they trace the root cause of malfunctions and provide feedback to improve process design and reliability. Their work helps prevent costly failures in production and in the field.

IC Design Engineer (indirectly involved)
IC Design Engineers create the circuit layout and logic that define how a chip functions. While they don’t fabricate devices themselves, their work is closely tied to semiconductor technology constraints, and they collaborate with process engineers to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet performance targets. They use tools like SPICE simulations and layout editors to refine chip designs.

Lab Technicians and Research Assistants in Academic Labs
Lab Technicians and Research Assistants in academic labs support experimental work by preparing samples, operating instruments, and maintaining equipment. They often fabricate and test devices, collect and analyze data, and assist in developing new research methodologies. Their hands-on role is essential in advancing scientific understanding and training future engineers.

---

🧱 List of Common Semiconductor Substrates and Their Applications

---

🛠️ Example Applications by Industry

Consumer Electronics

• Si for standard chips (CPU, GPU, memory)

• SOI for smartphones and RF switches

• GaAs in Wi-Fi chips and 5G RF front-ends

Automotive

• SiC for power electronics in electric vehicles (EVs)

• GaN in fast charging and inverters

LED and Lighting

• Sapphire and SiC as substrates for GaN-based blue/white LEDs

Telecommunications and 5G

• InP, GaAs, SOI, GaN for RF and photonic components

Aerospace and Defense

• GaN, GaAs, InP for radar, secure communications, space electronics

Medical Devices

• Si, MEMS on SOI, LN for biosensors, ultrasound transducers

Photovoltaics

• Si wafers in solar panels

• GaAs and InP in high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells

---