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An epitaxial wafer is a semiconducting wafer grown epitaxially for application in photonics, microelectronics, spintronics, or photovoltaics. The epi layer can be made of the same material as the substrate, which is commonly monocrystalline silicon, or it can be made of silicon dioxide (SoI) or a more exotic material with certain desired properties.
The goal of epitaxy is to perfect the crystal structure over the bare substrate beneath and enhance the electrical properties of the wafer surface, making it suitable for extremely complicated microprocessors and memory devices.
When the epi-layer and substrate are made of the same material, ion implantation is used to deposit a thin layer of crystal impurity atoms and the associated mechanical stress at the precise depth of the desired epi layer thickness.
In the ensuing cleavage stage, the resultant localized stress offers a controlled channel for fracture growth. A controlled crack is driven by a temperature change at the epi/wafer interface purely by thermal stresses due to the mismatch in thermal expansion between the epi layer and substrate in the dry stress lift-off process.
This is applicable when the epi-layer and substrate are suitably different materials, without the need for any external mechanical force or tool to aid crack propagation. This technique was reported to produce single atomic plane cleavage, minimizing the requirement for post-lift-off polishing and allowing up to ten substrate reuses.
Silicon epitaxy is the technique of depositing an extra monocrystalline silicon layer on the polished crystal surface of a silicon wafer. This procedure allows for the selection of material qualities independent of the polished substrate, resulting in wafers with varied properties in the substrate and the epitaxial layer.
In many circumstances, this is required for the semiconductor component to perform properly. The epitaxial layers may be composed of compounds with favorable properties such as gallium nitride (Gan), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or a mixture of gallium, indium, aluminum, nitrogen, phosphorus, or arsenic.
Because the thermal expansion coefficients of silicon and Gan are so dissimilar, Gan epitaxy necessitates the formation of a buffer layer on the polished silicon wafer first. Mechanical tension between the two materials can therefore be reduced.
Furthermore, an Alan layer is formed on top of the Gan layer to generate a two-dimensional electron plasma at the interface of these two layers. Electrons may travel at very high speeds at the device level, making Gan superior to traditional silicon technology.
The Global Epitaxial Wafers Market accounted for $XX Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
Resonance Corporation has begun mass production of a third generation of high-grade silicon carbide (Sic) epitaxial wafer (HGE-3G) for power semiconductors. HGE-3G has a higher quality than second-generation high-grade Sic epi-wafer (HGE-2G), which has been mass-produced up to now.
Sic power semiconductor lowers power loss during electricity conversion and emits less heat than conventional silicon-wafer-based power semiconductor, saving energy. As a result, demand for Sic power semiconductors is fast expanding, particularly in industrial applications such as electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable-energy-based power production.
Sic epi-wafers are created by depositing and growing an epitaxial Sic layer on the surface of a single crystal Sic substrate, and they are utilized as the primary material for Sic power. As the world’s biggest independent provider of world-class Sic epi-wafers, Resonance is well-regarded by numerous device makers.
High-end versions of power semiconductors for use in high-priced EVs and railcars must transmit higher-density electric current to achieve high output while preserving space. To achieve high-density electric current conduction, Sic-epi-wafer producers must develop technology to avoid the growth of dislocation faults in the Sick substrate into the epitaxial Sic layer.
This time, Resonance created cutting-edge technology to generate epitaxial Sic layers, effectively resolving the aforementioned issue, and began mass-producing third-generation high-grade Sic epi-wafers. This HGE-3G offers outstanding reliability under high electric current density and will help Sic-based high-end power modules expand.
Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) will introduce the biggest size silicon carbide (Sic) epitaxial wafers currently available on the global market for usage in power devices. Next month, the business will also begin offering Sic epitaxial wafers with fewer flaws and more uniformity. SDK has previously produced and sold Sic epitaxial wafers.
Furthermore, SDK has worked to build next-generation SiC epitaxial wafers, which will lead to greater productivity, and has provided samples. The firm has planned to commence commercial shipments as soon as the volume manufacturing technology has been established and the product requirements have been finalized. SDK will continue its efforts to improve product quality and boost manufacturing capacity following the development of product lines.
North America
The North American market, particularly the USA, will be one of the prime markets for (Epitaxial Wafers) due to the nature of industrial automation in the region, high consumer spending compared to other regions, and the growth of various industries, mainly AI, along with constant technological advancements. The GDP of the USA is one of the largest in the world, and it is home to various industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace, and Technology. The average consumer spending in the region was $72K in 2023, and this is set to increase over the forecast period. Industries are focused on industrial automation and increasing efficiency in the region. This will be facilitated by the growth in IoT and AI across the board. Due to tensions in geopolitics, much manufacturing is set to shift towards the USA and Mexico, away from China. This shift will include industries such as semiconductors and automotive.
Europe
The European market, particularly Western Europe, is another prime market for (Epitaxial Wafers) due to the strong economic conditions in the region, bolstered by robust systems that support sustained growth. This includes research and development of new technologies, constant innovation, and developments across various industries that promote regional growth. Investments are being made to develop and improve existing infrastructure, enabling various industries to thrive. In Western Europe, the margins for (Epitaxial Wafers) are higher than in other parts of the world due to regional supply and demand dynamics. Average consumer spending in the region was lower than in the USA in 2023, but it is expected to increase over the forecast period.
Eastern Europe is anticipated to experience a higher growth rate compared to Western Europe, as significant shifts in manufacturing and development are taking place in countries like Poland and Hungary. However, the Russia-Ukraine war is currently disrupting growth in this region, with the lack of an immediate resolution negatively impacting growth and creating instability in neighboring areas. Despite these challenges, technological hubs are emerging in Eastern Europe, driven by lower labor costs and a strong supply of technological capabilities compared to Western Europe.
There is a significant boom in manufacturing within Europe, especially in the semiconductor industry, which is expected to influence other industries. Major improvements in the development of sectors such as renewable energy, industrial automation, automotive manufacturing, battery manufacturing and recycling, and AI are poised to promote the growth of (Epitaxial Wafers) in the region.
Asia
Asia will continue to be the global manufacturing hub for (Epitaxial Wafers Market) over the forecast period with China dominating the manufacturing. However, there will be a shift in manufacturing towards other Asian countries such as India and Vietnam. The technological developments will come from China, Japan, South Korea, and India for the region. There is a trend to improve the efficiency as well as the quality of goods and services to keep up with the standards that are present internationally as well as win the fight in terms of pricing in this region. The demand in this region will also be driven by infrastructural developments that will take place over the forecast period to improve the output for various industries in different countries.
There will be higher growth in the Middle East as investments fall into place to improve their standing in various industries away from petroleum. Plans such as Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Qatar Vision 2030, and Abu Dhabi 2030 will cause developments across multiple industries in the region. There is a focus on improving the manufacturing sector as well as the knowledge-based services to cater to the needs of the region and the rest of the world. Due to the shifting nature of fossil fuels, the region will be ready with multiple other revenue sources by the time comes, though fossil fuels are not going away any time soon.
Africa
Africa is expected to see the largest growth in (Epitaxial Wafers Market) over the forecast period, as the region prepares to advance across multiple fronts. This growth aligns with the surge of investments targeting key sectors such as agriculture, mining, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, automotive, and healthcare. These investments are poised to stimulate overall regional growth, creating ripple effects across other industries as consumer spending increases, access to products improves, and product offerings expand. This development is supported by both established companies and startups in the region, with assistance from various charitable organizations. Additionally, the presence of a young workforce will address various existing regional challenges. There has been an improvement in political stability, which has attracted and will continue to attract more foreign investments. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are set to facilitate the easier movement of goods and services within the region, further enhancing the economic landscape.
RoW
Latin America and the Oceania region will showcase growth over the forecast period in (Epitaxial Wafers Market). In Latin America, the focus in the forecast period will be to improve their manufacturing capabilities which is supported by foreign investments in the region. This will be across industries mainly automotive and medical devices. There will also be an increase in mining activities over the forecast period in this region. The area is ripe for industrial automation to enable improvements in manufacturing across different industries and efficiency improvements. This will lead to growth of other industries in the region.
USA – $210 billion is allocated to federal R&D with main focus on health research, clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing, sustainable textiles, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Investments by private players are mainly focused on technological development including 5G infrastructure and AI in the region.
Europe – EIC is investing €1 billion to innovative companies in sectors like AI, biotechnology, and semiconductors. There is also a focus on developing the ecosystem in the continent as well as improving the infrastructure for developing industries such as electric vehicles and sustainable materials. Private players are targeting data centers, AI, battery plants, and high end technological R&D investments.
Asia – There are investments to tackle a range of scientific and technological advancements in this region mainly coming in from China, India, South Korea, and Japan. This will include artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud computing, pharmaceutical, local manufacturing, and financial technologies. Many countries are aiming to be digital hubs including Saudi Arabia.
Africa – Investments in the region are focused on improving the technological capabilities in the region along with socio-economic development and growth. Private participants of investments in this region is venture capital dominated who are targeting the various growth elements of the region as social stability improves. The major industries are fintech, easier lending, and manufacturing.
Latin America – The focus in the region is for fintech, e-commerce, and mobility sectors. There are also investments in improving manufacturing in the region. Local investments is focused on improving the healthcare, and transportation infrastructure in the region. The region is attracting foreign investments to improve their ability to utilize the natural resources present in the region.
Rest of the World – The investments in this region are focused on clean energy, green metals, and sustainable materials. Funds in Australia are focused on solar energy and battery technologies, along with high end futuristic areas such as quantum computing. The main countries of private investment in ROW will be Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
