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The mainstream status of sapphire in the silicon substrate is unshakable
For a time, silicon was seen as a promising substrate material for GaN-based LEDs, drawing significant attention from investors and industry players. Major international LED manufacturers and domestic companies alike jumped into the race to develop and commercialize silicon substrate technology. However, despite early enthusiasm, the progress has been slow and the outlook remains uncertain.
According to recent reports, several epitaxial chip manufacturers, including Purui Optoelectronics, OSRAM, TSMC, and Jingneng Optoelectronics, have been actively working on silicon substrate LED projects. Despite some claims of achieving performance comparable to sapphire-based chips, none have successfully entered the market. The gap between lab results and real-world production remains wide.
In 2013, there were high hopes that companies like Purui Optoelectronics, Toshiba, and Osram would achieve mass production of silicon-based LED chips. But so far, no major breakthroughs have been made, and the development seems to be stuck in a holding pattern.
This raises questions: Why did silicon substrate technology, once seen as highly promising, fail to move beyond the laboratory stage? And will its path to industrialization remain incomplete?
**Comparison of the Three Major Substrate Technology Routes**
Purui Optoelectronics announced a strategic shift from sapphire to silicon substrates, aiming for lower costs. However, the company reportedly laid off nearly 20% of its staff at its Livermore headquarters. A source close to the company revealed that the team working on the silicon substrate project has largely left, and the project is no longer being pursued.
Jingneng Optoelectronics, despite claiming recent improvements in light efficiency, has struggled with industrialization. Industry insiders note that out of six silicon substrate epitaxial furnaces, three are no longer operational. The project has faced delays and challenges in achieving mass production.
TSMC, while having developed silicon-based LED chips, found them lacking in terms of cost-effectiveness. Although the light efficiency reaches about 95% of Cree’s products, the price is significantly lower, and the yield is not satisfactory. According to Zhang Hongbiao from the High-tech LED Industry Research Institute, TSMC is still involved in the silicon substrate project but remains cautious.
Sanan Optoelectronics has also abandoned the idea of using silicon as a substrate. A spokesperson confirmed that the company has moved away from silicon due to its inferior hardness and strength compared to sapphire. While silicon carbide offers advantages for high-power applications, the current market trend favors medium-power chips, making it less appealing for widespread adoption.
As the industry continues to explore new materials, the future of silicon-based LED technology remains uncertain, with many companies re-evaluating their strategies and focusing on more established substrates.