Gallium nitride activity continues to thrive
Overall, the market for GaN devices of all types is forecast to grow to $4.5 billion by 2007.
The report, entitled "Gallium Nitride 2003 – Technology Status, Applications, and Market Forecasts", says that the worldwide growth and momentum for both commercial and R&D activity relating to gallium nitride devices and materials has never been more robust.
The report reviews and updates the status of worldwide technology developments and markets for gallium nitride devices, both optoelectronic and electronic.
As of the first quarter of 2003, 184 companies were involved in GaN production or development (devices, materials and equipment), and 293 universities and research centers were involved in GaN R&D. These figures represent an increase of 74% and 24%, respectively, since the publication of Strategies Unlimited’s previous GaN survey in May 2000.
Since the beginning of the first significant commercial shipments of GaN LEDs in 1995, the market has grown at an average annual rate of 64.5%.
Blue-violet laser diodes based on GaN devices began shipping in 1999 and the market achieved modest levels through 2002. However, in 2003 the long-anticipated market for blue-violet (405 nm) laser diodes in optical storage has finally begun in earnest, as several companies announced the first shipments of the next generation of high-density DVD recorders.
GaN-based electronic devices are still under development, but the first significant commercial shipments are expected to begin in 2004.
The 370-page report addresses the worldwide activity in gallium nitride development, including material properties, substrates, deposition, etching, contacts, packaging, and optoelectronic and electronic device performance. It tabulates the 477 companies and research centers involved in gallium nitride production and development, including 51 government agencies that support GaN R&D, and provides profiles of 26 such organizations.
In addition, the report analyzes 20 separate applications for GaN optoelectronic and electronic devices, and provides detailed market forecasts through 2007. A special section on the rise of GaN LED production in Taiwan is also provided.
