Excellent Properties of Sapphire Substrate

High performance of Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge)-based devices can be made possible through Sapphire Substrate, which allows chipsets to be very fast in performance. The presence of Si and Ge ensures high electron mobility and low twin defect density in the chipsets. Electron mobility in the SiGe devices is higher than in the case of Si devices. Radio frequency devices made with SiGe are quicker than the Radio frequency devices that run on SOS wafers. Even NASA makes use of SiGe, due to which production of the substrate becomes necessary.

Purchasing Sapphire Substrate

This material is available at different prices across different vendors in the market. There are a number of websites on which these are being sold. Of course, quality is also just as important as the price at which it is available. The substrate is prepared from sapphire, which is a material with a unique combination of chemical, optical, and physical properties. Sapphire is highly resistant against thermal shocks, high temperatures, sand erosion, and water. Its thermal conductivity is also very good at low temperatures.

Payments for the substrates can be made online through different means.

Applications

Applications of this substrate are as follows:

• Infrared Applications
• Optoelectronics and Electronics
• SOS (Silicon on Sapphire Integrated Circuit)
• Growth Substrate

Unique Mechanical Properties

Sapphire as a material is extremely hard, having a Mohs hardness of 9. This is secondly only to the natural mineral Diamond, which has a Mohs hardness value of 10. As a result, it is also highly scratch-resistant, which makes it suitable for several industries.  As compared to sapphire, glass has a hardness value close to 5.5. 

Integrated Circuits

Silicon-on-sapphire integrated circuits are available where layer of silicon dioxide are formed over sapphire substrates. This ensures that the dielectric layer on top is able to conduct electricity across the circuit in an efficient manner.   

Check the Minimum Order Requirement

Sapphire substrates are never ordered one by one. Instead, orders for this item are always placed in bulk as they are used in large industries such as that of semiconductors. In certain cases, manufacturers of substrates require companies to place a minimum order. Before placing an order, remember to check for the same, as it may vary from one company to another.

Different Sizes

Sapphire substrates are available in a variety of sizes. Depending on the requirement, the right type of size can be chosen, which will differ from one industry to another. At times, more than one size may be required in a single industry as well. Whatever be the case, it is important to make the purchase from a reputed manufacturer. Other than the size, this will ensure that the quality remains good as well.

Sapphire is most suitable these days since a variety of semiconductors are being used in different devices. Digital communication products like smartphones, digital cameras, washing machines, LED bulbs, and refrigerators are making use of semiconductors. There are also very few electronic devices that are devoid of integrated circuits. As time goes by, more developments will take place in the field of sapphire substrates.