IQE ENTERS MICROLED MARKET

Advanced semiconductor wafer supplier IQE has entered a strategic partnership with Porotech, a pioneer in microLED and GaN-based semiconductor technology.

The partnership marks IQE’s entry into the microLED market.

The focus of the partnership is to develop, scale and commercialise Porotech’s wafer technology that achieves all three colours (RGB) on a single 200 or 300mm GaN-based wafer for ultra-high-density and efficient microLEDs.

Applications for the technology include AR/MR/VR, wearable devices, smart displays and large-scale direct view displays.

The intention is for IQE to be Porotech’s epitaxial wafer foundry partner, providing GaN MOCVD capacity for the volume production of Porotech’s PoroGaN microdisplay technology platforms. Together, the companies will develop and productionise 200mm manufacturing platforms as well as 300mm wafer formats.

IQE chief executive Americo Lemos said: “This partnership marks IQE’s entrance into the microLED market with a unique platform. As we stated in March 2022, we believe the microLED market presents a significant opportunity for our business.”

Porotech chief executive and co-founder Dr Tongtong Zhu added: “IQE’s deep heritage and innovation in MOCVD epitaxial growth technologies, as well as its mass production capability, are optimised for very small high-brightness microLED pixels that match perfectly with Porotech’s platform. We look forward to working together to commercialise this solution.”