Simon Pickering

Turning ideas into products

Abstract Technology tends to be the focal point of many discussions about compound semiconductors, but it must not be forgotten that it is individual companies that are the means of translating ideas into commercial products. While good ideas are an important starting point, there is no doubt that the burgeoning disciplines of marketing and management also play an important role.

Imperial College's ‘virtual’ centre making real progress

Abstract The Centre for Electronic Materials and Devices (CEMD) at the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine was established in October 1997, under the directorship of Professor Gareth Parry, to bring together the research activities in electronic materials and devices being pursued in the various departments of the College. Recent research highlights of the ‘virtual’ Centre include advances in light emitting diode (LED) performance using quantum dots and resonant cavities; infrared LEDs for gas sensors; micropower devices; micromechanical self assembly techniques; superconducting tape technology; and transistors that can be fabricated on plastic sheets.

Looking at the bigger picture

Abstract With its increasing success in telecommunications and other markets, GaAs device makers are eager to grab a larger share of a growing market — and thats prompting increasing interest in 6″ wafers.

Y2K leaves its mark

Abstract Virtually the entire globe will have their eyes fixed on the clock as the seconds tick towards midnight on 31 December 1999. While most will be looking for the signal to celebrate the start of the new century, many will also be waiting to see just what the ‘Year 2000 problem (Y2K)’, the so-called millennium bug, has in store.

Thomas Swan looks to build on its GaN foundations

Abstract The increasing demand for GaN-based products for optoelectronic and electronic devices is resulting in significant growth for metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) equipment manufacturer Thomas Swan & Co.

Compounds outshine Si

Abstract The compound semiconductor community can afford to be in buoyant mood with all the indicators pointing to continued strong growth throughout 1999.

A fine investment

Abstract If further evidence was needed of the growing commercial success of the compound semiconductor industry, it is surely seen in the shape of the increasing interest form the investment community. A growing number of stockbroker firms have not initiated coverage of firms in the industry, but are also listing them among their top buys.

Blue LDs begin to find their commercial niches

Abstract From research target to commercial reality, the blue laser diode has now found its way out of the lab and into end-use applications. While the most talked about application in the drive to develop blue LDs has been in optical data storage systems, the first use of the component has come in a quite different field-spectroscopy.

Oxford plasma evolving to meet changing demands

Abstract With more than 17 years experience in plasma and ion beam processing, Oxford Plasma Technology (OPT) has established itself as one of the worlds leading suppliers of plasma processing equipment to the compound semiconductor industry. Now, with the industry introducing more high volume products, OPT is finding a shift in the type of its products that are in demand.

Flurry of activity marks the start of 1998

Abstract It may be only a few months old, but 1998 has already brought plenty of topics for the compound semiconductor industry to talk, think, and write about. Most notable has been the flurry of commercial activity, as major manufacturing firms seek to realign themselves according to the latest management thinking of concentrating on core business and outsourcing. The year has already seen a number of notable deals, such as Watkins-Johnsons purchase of Samsungs microwave fab in California and TriQuints acquisition of the former Tl GaAs device business from Raytheon. Roy Szweda analyses a number of these deals in his Crystal Gazing column on page 55.