The usage of gallium arsenide (GaAs) device has been increased in network infrastructure and mobile phone applications, which in turn increases the usage of GaAs epitaxial wafers, which are the base materials for these devices.
According to Strategy Analytics’ report titled ‘Markets for SI GaAs Epitaxial Substrates: 2010-2015,’ the demand for semi-insulating (SI) GaAs epitaxial substrate increased just over 29600 ksi due to the increasing demand in military and commercial applications in 2010. The report predicts that the demand for the substrate is expected to reach over 40200 ksi and its sales will reach $543 million in 2015.
As per the report, six-inch GaAs epitaxial substrates will represent just over 80% of overall device demand for the reporting period. The report estimates that the demand for six-inch GaAs epitaxial substrates will grow at 9% of compounded average annual growth rate.
Eric Higham, who serves as Director of the Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service, stated that the GaAs epitaxial substrate market experienced a robust growth in 2010 due to the rapid growth in the entire GaAs device market. Strategy Analytics predicts strong growth for the GaAs substrate market in wireless communication fields, he added.
Asif Anwar, Director of the Strategy Analytics Strategic Technologies Practice, commented that the company sees robust growth for MBE and MOCVD epitaxial substrate materials, which makes IQE to strengthen its market presence, as it supplies both ranges of materials. The report discusses the SI GaAs epitaxial substrate market in terms of supplier, device type, application, structure, geography and diameter.