HexaTech puts 100 mm aluminium nitride substrates into production

HexaTech has released 100 mm single-crystal aluminium nitride substrates into production, with immediate commercial availability announced on 3 November. The new diameter joins its two-inch and three-inch products, and the company says all three sizes are available on standard lead times.^[1]

The move follows its three-inch launch earlier in 2026. Increasing diameter from three inches, or 76.2 mm, to 100 mm provides about 72% more gross wafer area: the area ratio is 100 squared divided by 76.2 squared. Actual die output also depends on device layout, unusable edge area and yield, so the geometric increase is the starting point for production economics rather than a guaranteed increase in saleable devices.^[1]

AlN is used as a starting surface for semiconductor layers with a high aluminium content, including materials used in deep ultraviolet emitters and some high power or high frequency devices. Growing those layers on a compatible substrate reduces the mismatch that manufacturers otherwise have to manage when combining different crystal materials. HexaTech identifies optoelectronic and high power RF customers as the immediate audience for the larger wafer.^[1][2]

The company’s existing catalogue distinguishes products by crystal orientation and ultraviolet transparency. One c-plane grade is listed for RF, power and piezoelectric devices, while a UV-transparent c-plane grade serves UV-C LEDs. Those distinctions concern how the material will be used in a device, with detailed size, finish and grade availability supplied against individual requirements.^[2]

HexaTech grows the crystals through physical vapour transport in custom furnaces operating above 2,000 °C, before slicing, polishing and characterising the resulting boules. Scaling the diameter therefore starts in crystal growth, before the material reaches a device fabrication line. The company, founded in 2001 and now owned by Stanley Electric, describes the latest release as the result of a long development programme supported by public and private investment.^[1][3]

UV-C emitters provide one established application for the material, including compact sources for disinfection. HexaTech also identifies deep ultraviolet lasers for detection and spectroscopy among the development opportunities. Its longer-term wafer roadmap reaches towards 150 mm and beyond, while the newly available production diameter is 100 mm.^[1][4]

Abstract violet light reflections. Illustrative photograph. Photo: Engin Akyurt / Pexels. Image source. Reuse terms.