On December 13, 2024, Aixtron, a German provider of deposition equipment, announced the official opening of its new innovation research and development center in Herzogenrath, Germany.
The total investment for the project is €100 million (approximately USD 107 million), and construction officially began in November 2023. This new center is designed specifically for gallium nitride (GaN) and other compound semiconductor applications, with a focus on the development of 12-inch wafers.
New Cleanroom to Advance Semiconductor Research
The new Aixtron R&D center features a 1,000 square meter cleanroom, which will serve as a foundation for advancing the compound semiconductor industry’s move toward 12-inch wafers.
Dr. Felix Grawert, CEO and President of Aixtron, stated, “With the new cleanroom in our innovation center, we will further strengthen our leadership in the technology market. We have already integrated the first 12-inch GaN prototype equipment into several customer pilot production lines.”
Solid Financial Growth and Future Outlook
Notably, in the first three quarters of 2024, Aixtron reported €406.4 million in revenue (approximately USD 431.4 million), with significant growth in its GaN and silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics business, as well as an increasing order backlog.
Looking ahead to 2025, Aixtron anticipates continued robust growth in its GaN and SiC power electronics equipment segments.
Micro LED Technology: A Bright Future
Moreover, Aixtron remains optimistic about the future of Micro LED technology. The company has indicated that the LED industry is actively researching Micro LED technology and has received orders from several customers building R&D and pilot production lines.
According to Aixtron, the initial applications for Micro LED are expected to be in smartwatches, AR/VR glasses, TVs, and automotive applications. Multiple customers are considering ramping up Micro LED production around 2027 or 2028.
With the completion of this innovation R&D center, Aixtron’s research and development capabilities will be further enhanced, improving the performance of its new equipment and advancing its positioning in the fields of third-generation semiconductors, Micro LED, and other technologies, securing its position as a leader in the deposition equipment industry.
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