Polished EPI-ready germanium substrates for CPV and space applications
Germanium Substrates - A ray of sun can go a long way
At Umicore Substrates we produce state-of-the-art semiconductor Germanium wafers in high volumes for photovoltaic (terrestrial and space) and opto-electronics applications.
Germanium wafers are the solution of choice as they offer high strength at minimal thickness and contribute actively to the overall cell performance by converting part of the spectrum of the sun. Germanium substrates are applied in III-V triple-junction solar cells, today’s solution of choice to power virtually all satellites placed in orbit, as well as in terrestrial solar cells to power Concentrated PV (CPV) systems.
Through mastering of the entire production flow, Umicore has become world leader in the supply of Germanium wafers in high volume and at constant quality with an installed capacity in excess of 1 million wafers (4” equivalents). Umicore’s Germanium substrates are highly qualified for both CPV and space solar cell applications.
Production Capacity
With a background of more than 40 years experience in Germanium crystal pulling, Umicore is the only supplier in the world capable of pulling dislocation free ingots, and this in diameters ranging from 2" to 300 mm.
Our Germanium Products
Thanks to the closely matching thermal and crystallographic properties of Germanium and Gallium Arsenide, EPI-ready Germanium substrates provide an interesting alternative for the epitaxial growth and/or layer transfer of III-V compounds. For proper nucleation, the wafers are precisely off cut towards the appropriate direction and have been EPI-cleaned. To guarantee a pristine growth surface, all production steps are closely monitored by SPC and wafers are carefully inspected. At the end, there is a 100% naked eye inspection by a trained operator.
Our monocrystalline EPI-ready germanium wafers are available in 2”, 3’’, 4”, 6”, 8’’ and 12’’ diameters and we are ready to support any volumes your application may require. Both p and n type susbtrates are available. Standard, our wafers are polished and EPI-ready at the front side and diamond ground at the backside. For easy traceability, all wafers are laser marked.
Space Photovoltaics
Since the mid-nineties Umicore is the recognized market leader in the supply of EPI-ready, dislocation free Germanium substrates for III-V multijunction solar cells for space applications. This technology has gradually replaced Si-based solutions. Germanium is the preferred substrate as it offers high strength at minimal thickness is radiation hard and contributes actively to the overall performance of the cell by converting part of the light. Advanced triple junction solar cells on germanium offer the best end-of-life performance over weight ratio.
Concentrator Photovoltaics
The high-efficiency solar cells on Germanium also find their application in the fast growing field of terrestrial photovoltaics, whereby the cells are integrated in a concentrator system based on refractive or reflective optics. Under concentration, the most advanced solar cells on Germanium have a conversion efficiency of over 41 % and pave the way for cost-effective and sustainable energy generation. Umicore is ready to address the growing CPV market needs, both in terms of large volumes and larger diameter material (150 mm and 200 mm). Umicore’s installed production capacity can easily support CPV system deployment up to 750 MWatt, and is expandable up to 1 GWatt.
Quality & Sustainability
Umicore customers can rely on exceptional quality in every product we manufacture. In order to assure a consistent and high quality product, our wafers are continuously monitored using the most advanced metrology equipment. Surfscan AFM, TXRF, GDMS, SEM, TEM, double crystal XRD, life-time testing are a few examples of measurement techniques available in house or with immediate access to at carefully selected partners. The success of our business lies mainly in the consistent high quality level of our products and the flexibility to adapt to the changing requirement of our customers. Umicore Electro-Optic Materials adheres to international quality standards (ISO 9001:2004 - quality, and ISO 14001:2004 - environment). We use the demanding EFQM model (European Foundation for Quality Management) for continuous improvement to achieve Business Excellence. This covers the traditional client-supplier and employer-employee relationships, but also scrutinizes the company’s leadership, strategy and its relationship to the environment and society. It is our policy to understand our customers expectations and requirements and to manufacture products meeting or exceeding those requirement in our pursuit of continual improvement. Moreover, Umicore as a group is committed to high environmental standards, and so is our Business Line Germanium Substrates namely through recycling of our internal Germanium waste streams.
For technical information, please proceed to the Technical data sheets by clicking here.
To contact us:
Tel: +32 14 53 67
Fax: +32 14 58 00
substrates@umicore.com
http://eom.umicore.com/en/substrates/
Address: Umicore Substrates, Olen, Belgium