Kyma and NCT extend gallium oxide partnership
Kyma Technologies in the US and Novel Crystal Technology (NCT) in Japan, both experts in Ga2O3 technology, have announced a collaboration on development of Ga2O3 epiwafers for high voltage power electronics applications.
This partnership aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of Ga2O3 devices for power electronics applications, including TVs, renewable energy, aerospace, and industrial systems.
Gallium oxide offers significant advantages over traditional silicon and other wide-bandgap materials such as SiC and GaN, including a higher breakdown electric field and the potential for lower production costs. However, a major industry bottleneck remains the limited availability of device-grade Ga2O3 epitaxial wafers with consistently low defects and scalable production methods.
By combining NCT’s expertise in producing high-quality bulk Ga2O3 substrates with Kyma’s advanced epitaxial growth capabilities, the two companies will develop processes to produce large area (150mm diameter) epiwafers suitable for multi-kV level power devices.
Kyma and NCT have already worked together for many years on HVPE-based gallium oxide epiwafer development. Kyma epi services on NCT substrates (up to 100mm diameter) are available for sale to the broader research and development community.
These epiwafers are expected to enable a new generation of power semiconductor devices that deliver higher efficiency and performance in demanding applications. For on-going power device development work, the technical teams at Kyma and NCT will be collaborating closely, including on specific customer requirements.
“Our partnership leverages the best of both companies’ technologies to push the boundaries of Ga2O3 epiwafer production,” said Heather Splawn, president and CEO of Kyma. “Novel Crystal Technology manufactures the best Ga2O3 substrates in the world, and we are thrilled that Kyma can now offer our unique epi growth on those substrates to our customers.”
Akito Kuramata, president and CEO of NCT, added: “We are excited to work with Kyma Technologies to further develop high-quality Ga2O3 epitaxial wafers. Together, we aim to accelerate the adoption of Ga2O3 devices worldwide, supporting critical industries and technology sectors.”
