Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei company, today announced a significant advancement in its manufacturing capabilities with the production of 100 mm diameter single-crystal aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates with 99% usable area. The achievement not only signifies a leap forward for Crystal IS in terms of total addressable market, but it also serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to keeping manufacturing prowess rooted in Green Island and surrounding communities.
Crystal IS’s breakthrough in producing larger AlN substrates comes as a boost to the regional economy, solidifying the company’s position as a vital player in driving innovation and economic growth in the area. The company is already well known for its role in water disinfection with its market leading UVC LEDs, which were most recently selected by Amway for use in its new eSpring™ Water Treatment System. By continuing to develop AlN, the company plans to expand applications for this material beyond UVC LEDs to RF and power devices.
“The remarkable improvement in the quality of our large diameter substrates underscores the dedication and expertise of our team in aluminum nitride innovation,” remarked Eoin Connolly, President and CEO of Crystal IS. “Beyond technological advancement, this milestone further demonstrates our unwavering commitment to semiconductor innovation, which supports the capital region’s focus on nanotech. By keeping our manufacturing operations local, we are not only contributing to the growth of the region but also ensuring that the benefits of our progress are felt right here at home.”
This achievement builds upon Crystal IS’ previous milestone of producing the first-ever recorded 100 mm diameter substrate in August 2023, an accomplishment that earned accolades at Semiconductor of the Year in electronic materials for the Semiconductors Category.
Crystal IS has manufactured bulk aluminum nitride substrates at its headquarters in Green Island, New York for over 25 years. The company’s expansion into larger diameter substrates opens up new avenues for collaboration with partners, facilitating the integration of AlN into existing fabrication lines for power and RF devices using alternative materials. As Crystal IS prepares to offer 100 mm diameter substrates to key partners this year, the company is poised to further amplify innovation in the region – and within the broader semiconductor market.
Read the full release here.
About Crystal IS
Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei company, is the leader in aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates and UVC LEDs. Crystal IS’ AlN-based UVC LEDs deliver better performance in the ideal germicidal range from 260 – 270 nm to enable sustainable, mercury-free disinfection of water, air and surfaces to ensure healthy life and living around the world. The company was founded in 1997 out of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York and was later acquired by Asahi Kasei, a global materials and chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in 2011. In 2023, Crystal IS reported the world’s first 100 mm diameter single-crystal AIN substrate and is exploring new market applications for the material. For more information, visit cisuvc.com.
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees around the world, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Material sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products, from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.