IQE and Porotech partner on MicroLEDs
IQE enters the microLED market as Porotech’s epitaxial wafer foundry partner
IQE plc, a supplier of compound semiconductor wafers and advanced materials, has announced a strategic partnership with Porotech, a pioneer in microLED and GaN-based semiconductor technology.
The focus of the partnership is to develop, scale and commercialise Porotech’s unique wafer technology that achieves all three colours (RGB) on a single 200 or 300mm GaN-based wafer for ultra-high-density and efficient microLEDs, the applications for which 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.
Americo Lemos, CEO of IQE, 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. IQE’s proven heritage in GaN epitaxy and our industry-leading footprint in high volume wafer manufacturing combined with Porotech’s PoroGaN® microdisplay technology platform, will create a compelling and differentiated product offering.’’
Porotech, CEO and co-founder 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.”
