Wide Bandgap Semiconductors - Utilization in Devices

Utilization in Devices

Wide bandgap materials have several characteristics that make them useful compared to lower bandgap materials. The higher energy gap gives devices the ability to operate at higher temperatures, and for some applications, allows devices to switch larger voltages. The wide bandgap also brings the electronic transition energy into the range of the energy of visible light, and hence light-emitting devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and semiconductor lasers can be made that emit in the visible spectrum, or even produce ultraviolet emission.

Solid state lighting could reduce the amount of energy required to provide lighting as compared with incandescent lights, which are associated with a light output of less than 20 lumens per watt. The efficiency of LEDs is on the order of 160 lumens per watt..

Wide bandgap semiconductors can also be used in RF signal processing. Silicon-based power transistors are reaching limits of operating frequency, breakdown voltage, and power density. Wide bandgap materials can be used in high-temperature and power switching applications.