Long-standing PI-KEM customer Swansea University is using c-plane sapphire substrates supplied by PI-KEM to support the development of next-generation semiconductor materials at its Oxide and Chalcogenide MOCVD Centre.
PI-KEM has worked with Swansea University for over a decade, supporting research activities with products from across our portfolio of specialist materials and laboratory solutions.
One area of this ongoing relationship is our supply of c-plane sapphire substrates to the Oxide and Chalcogenide MOCVD Centre at the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM).
Led by Dr Dan Lamb, Research Leader, the team is developing oxide and chalcogenide thin-film deposition protocols using its AIXTRON Close-Coupled MOCVD system.
Pictured: Dr Dan Lamb, Research Leader, Oxide and Chalcogenide MOCVD Centre at the CISM
Sapphire substrates supporting MOCVD research
The research group has sourced a significant number of c-plane sapphire substrates from PI-KEM, covering different sizes and miscut angles of 0.2°, 6° and 8°, alongside wafer carrier boxes to support its ongoing research.
Both 2-inch and 4-inch sapphire substrates have been successfully used for the growth of high-quality thin films, including β-Ga₂O₃, 2D WS₂ and ZnO.
For a research environment where requirements can evolve as experimental programmes progress, the ability to access suitable substrates in research-scale quantities has also been an important consideration.
As Dan explains:
"One of the key advantages of working with PI-KEM has been rapid access to research-scale quantities of sapphire substrates, allowing our team to respond swiftly to evolving project requirements."
The consistency of the substrates has also supported the team's work to establish reproducible deposition processes.
"The consistency and reliability of PI-KEM substrates have been essential in achieving reproducible deposition processes and advancing our research in next-generation semiconductor materials."
C-plane sapphire substrates and individual wafer carriers supplied by PI-KEM to Swansea University
More than a decade of working together
The sapphire substrates represent just one part of PI-KEM's long-standing relationship with Swansea University.
Over more than 10 years, we have supplied products across a number of our specialist product areas, supporting different research requirements as the University's work has developed.
Reflecting on his experience of working with PI-KEM, Dan commented:
"Throughout our experience with PI-KEM, we have found their service to be highly professional. Their pricing is competitive, and where necessary, adjustments have been made to ensure cost-effectiveness. Moreover, their efficient communication and prompt delivery have been instrumental in maintaining the momentum of our projects."
He added:
"We look forward to continuing the relationship with PI-KEM and would highly recommend their products and services to other research groups seeking high-quality sapphire substrates."
We're proud to continue supporting Swansea University and the work of researchers pushing forward the development of next-generation semiconductor materials.
Discover PI-KEM's range of sapphire substrates →
