11 April 2018

Azur Space adds customized Aixtron AIX 2800G4 8x6”-wafer MOCVD system to expand production of space and concentrator solar cells

© Semiconductor Today Magazine / Juno PublishiPicture: Disco’s DAL7440 KABRA laser saw.

Deposition equipment maker Aixtron SE of Herzogenrath, near Aachen, Germany is providing its latest metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technology to aerospace supplier Azur Space Solar Power GmbH of Heilbronn, Germany (a long time user of Aixtron’s planetary technology).

The customized AIX 2800G4 series system with an 8x6”-wafer configuration (delivery in second-quarter 2018) will further expand production of highly efficient multi-III-V space and concentrator solar cells, which are mainly used in the solar panels of satellites.

The AIX 2800G4 system follows the predecessor models of the G3 series and enables the production of 6” epitaxial wafers from gallium arsenide (GaAs) on germanium (Ge). Azur Space benefits not only from the homogeneity of the processed wafers but also from the economic advantages of the AIX 2800G4 - with maximum throughput and yield combined with the most efficient use of resources, the system is claimed to set standards in the semiconductor industry regarding the lowest cost per wafer.

“Applications in the aerospace industry have special requirements regarding the longevity and performance of solar cells,” notes Azur Space’s managing director Jürgen Heizmann. “With the introduction of the AIX 2800G4, we have deliberately set a very decisive, long-term course to continue to be able to supply competitive high-performance solar cells for the construction of space satellites in the future,” he adds.

Tags: Aixtron MOCVD Azur Space CPV

Visit: www.azurspace.com

Visit: www.aixtron.com