SiC micro markets develop

Abstract

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a material which has rapidly matured in a decade. From obscurity and difficulty it has become an important practical commercial proposition for a growing number of companies. Today it stands astride two markets with companies offering both opto- and micro-electronic devices based on it. In the wake of the European Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials, ECSCRM, it is perhaps timely to look at the progress being made in SiC materials and devices. While market progress has continued to be good it is likely to see major changes over the next five years. As shown in Figure 1 today's SiC device market is dominated by LEDs. This will continue to be the case thanks to such mass-market applications as handset backlights and automotive installations. However, there will be continued competition from other types of blue LED notably those based on sapphire and later on perhaps also those based on GaN or silicon substrates. Increasingly, the market will continue to expand to include microelectronic devices.