wafers

John Walko
EE Times Europe

LONDON — The photovoltaics sector is emerging as the fastest growing and best prospect for suppliers of GaAs bulk substrates, according to Strategy Analytics.

According to the market research group, demand for semi-conducting GaAs bulk substrates from photovoltaic markets has the potential to grow at a CAAGR (compound annual average growth rate) of 79 percent through 2012, representing over 20 percent of demand.

In the short term, Strategy Analytics (Milton Keynes, England) suggests LEDs will continue to represent the largest end market for SC GaAs bulk substrates, accounting for 39 percent of demand.

Overall, the merchant market for SC GaAs bulk substrates is expected to grow at a CAAGR rate of 7 percent through 2012 in terms of area.

"Mitsubishi Chemical, Sumitomo Electric Industries and Hitachi Cable are the market leaders," noted Asif Anwar, Director of Strategy Analytics' GaAs service. "Collectively, the Japanese leaders accounted for over 64 percent of the total market. Other significant suppliers in 2007 in rank order included AXT, Dowa, Freiberger Compound Materials and Neosemitech."

The researchers also note that the merchant market represented 88 percent of total output in 2007 with the Japanese suppliers accounting for the captive demand. They also suggest three- and four-inch material accounted for 70 percent of wafer output in 2007 and the market for larger diameter material will continue through 2012