News: Suppliers
18 September 2023
Umicore collaborates with RENA to enhance germanium wafers
Germanium product and materials solutions supplier Umicore Electro-Optic Materials (EOM) has established a strategic collaboration aimed at integrating the ACE inception wafer processing solution of RENA Technologies of Gütenbach, Germany into the ongoing development of germanium (Ge) wafers for the space solar cell industry.
Umicore EOM has produced epi-ready, dislocation-free germanium substrates for III-V multi-junction solar cells for many decades, but RENA ACE technology has emerged as being pivotal for driving development forward, says the firm.
RENA’s wafer processing solution features flexible process performance and single-side, full-surface processing. Umicore comments that the scalability for mass production aligns with its application and ramp-up plans.
Built on RENA’s Inception platform, Umicore EOM and RENA have joined forces in a collaborative development program, aimed at technology enhancement and ensuring a seamless and efficient transition into mass production. The move is said to be key to the realization of both companies’ expansion strategies.
“The RENA advanced wafer processing solution plays a crucial role in our manufacturing process, and RENA’s technology will be a key enabler for the performance of our Ge wafers,” comments Umicore EOM project manager Jinyoun Cho.
“Umicore is a reliable partner, and we are glad to support their expansion plans with our solution,” comments Franck Delahaye, manager of business development at RENA.
Umicore develops ultra-low-resistivity 8” n-type germanium wafers
