In conjunction with Rubicon Technology Inc of Bensenville, IL, USA, which makes monocrystalline sapphire substrates and products for the LED, RFIC, semiconductor and optical industries, market research firm IMS Research has published a white paper entitled Opportunities for Sapphire, which examines the demand for sapphire in key markets.
Sapphire is a versatile material that is used in a range of industries for multifarious applications. Its inherent physical attributes of durability, light transmission, chemical inertness and thermal insulation make it desirable for applications such as LEDs, optical windows, lenses and covers, and semiconductor applications in smart phones and other consumer devices.
“At the moment, these advantages are critical,” said white paper author Jamie Fox of IMS Research. “Every LED company we spoke to during the research for this paper purchases sapphire and benefits from the superior yields and quality. Substrate demand in 2012 is estimated at 42 million two-inch equivalent wafers (TIE) and expected to grow to 57 million TIE in 2013, according to market research firm Displaybank. As the lighting market grows into a more significant segment and larger, thicker wafers are utilized, sapphire demand will accelerate.”
‘Opportunities for Sapphire’ discusses the role of sapphire in LED production, the emergence of large-diameter sapphire wafers, and sapphire demand by application. In addition, the white paper discusses emerging markets for sapphire including use as a substrate for RFICs (radio-frequency integrated circuits) and its use in optical and industrial markets for lenses, sensors and power devices.
“Sapphire’s exceptional physical and optical qualities offer many benefits for a wide range of applications from the high-growth LED lighting market to emerging markets for semiconductor and optical applications,” says Rubicon’s president & CEO Raja M. Parvez. “Rubicon has been the driving force in sapphire innovation, and we are working with our customers in existing and emerging markets to develop new sapphire processes and products to meet their needs.”
