A
silicon
wafer is a thin slice of silicon crystals that can be altered to
be used in different types of electronics because silicon is a high
quality semiconductor. Wafers are created by a lab-grown crystal
growing process. The desired resulting wafer can be obtained by
controlling various levels of purity, which can be used for various
types of electronics. Silicon wafers are available in various sizes
for different applications and can be processed in specialized ways.
They are mainly used in the fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs),
photoelectric cells, and other micro-devices.
One
of the main drivers of the silicon market is the expansion by
semiconductor manufacturers of their manufacturing capacities to meet
the ever-growing demand of technologically advancing electronic
devices and gadgets. Moreover, owing to their very small size, low
weight, high reliability, low power consumption, and easy
replacement, they are widely used in automotive controls, daily
electronics such as calculators and laptops, solar cells, ship
equipments and space craft’s among others. Also, due to an increase
in the disposable incomes of consumers in developing regions of
Asia-Pacific, there is a high demand for advanced technological
gadgets such as smartphones, laptops, and computers.
The
production of silicon wafers is a potential environmental threat, as
some of the byproducts released are hazardous. It is also a lengthy
process, which increases the production cost. Moreover, recycling of
silicon wafers also poses a problem due to the costly components
involved in recycling. Also, silicon wafers are being replaced by
silicon thin films since the latter are lighter, less bulky, and more
economically viable in terms of production and usage. With the
advancement of technology in applications such as high speed cars,
televisions, computers, and phones, there has been a growing demand
for silicon wafers, as they are an essential part of the electronic
circuit. In addition to this, silicon wafers are now being used in
other applications such as military intelligence.
Some
of the key manufacturers of silicon wafers include Shin-Etsu Handotai
Co. Ltd., MEMC Electronic Materials Inc., LG Siltron Inc., Siltronic
AG, Renewable Energy Corporation and SUMCO Corp. among others.
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