Development of the bulk GaN substrate market

Abstract

Near- and long-term market applications for bulk GaN substrates are examined, along with motivations and challenges for adopting the substrate technology for specific device applications. The near-term demand for bulk GaN is driven primarily by laser diodes, while solid state lighting and power electronics will drive the long-term demand. Challenges to achieving broad market penetration include increased volume production and reduced manufacturing cost, which are needed to penetrate incumbent GaN device technologies based on foreign substrates.