New system for GaN-on-Si LED production

The English company Plessey Semiconductors Ltd. has ordered a production-capable CRIUS II-XL MOCVD system in a 7x6-inch configuration and announced additional purchases of the same type. With this, Plessey aims to develop GaN-LEDs on silicon wafers.

A service team from AIXTRON Ltd. will install and commission the system in a modern cleanroom in Plymouth, UK, still in June 2012.

"The planning for the production of a new, highly efficient LED is progressing optimally," explains Barry Dennington, COO of Plessey Semiconductors. With this product, Plessey will set new standards in lighting and enable the long-anticipated market breakthrough in price. After acquiring CamGan, a spin-off of the University of Cambridge, in February 2012, the company is now strengthening its technical capabilities to fully exploit the potential of GaN on Si commercially. The goal is to complete prototype production before the end of the third quarter of 2012 and to reach full production in the second quarter of 2013.

"With the CRIUS II-XL as a basis, we are starting full-scale production of LED materials," says Neil Harper, HB LED Program and Product Line Director. Plessey plans to develop LEDs under the brand `MAGIC` (Manufactured on GaN ICs) on a 6-inch production line for integrated circuits in Plymouth, on large-area silicon substrates. "The current AIXTRON CRIUS generation impresses with numerous advantages, such as the lowest operating costs for GaN layer growth on 6- and 8-inch silicon substrates." Furthermore, Plessey can always rely on the excellent service from AIXTRON Ltd. and AIXTRON Europe.

"We are very pleased with this new order," adds AIXTRON COO Dr. Bernd Schulte. "The name Plessey is a well-established player in the electronics industry. The manufacturer now wants to quickly harness the potential of GaN on silicon — one of the most promising areas in epitaxy — for commercial use." He is convinced that Plessey will bring about the required transformation in the LED industry through cost reductions for solid-state lighting. AIXTRON is well-positioned for the customer's ambitious plans and looks forward to the next wave in the LED market.

Plessey Semiconductors is a leader in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor products for sensing, measurement technology, and control applications. The products are used in numerous industries, such as communications, medical technology, aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors. Earlier this year, the manufacturer announced that it would bring its low-cost LED product `MAGIC` to market within six months — initially as a replacement for the incandescent lamp market. Additionally, a series of smart lighting products based on Plessey's unique sensor and control technology are planned.