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Editorial: Nick Holonyak To Receive 2003 International Global Energy Prize in Russia
... One of the most noted and most deserving compound semi technology pioneers, Nick Holonyak of the University of Illinois, is slated to receive a very prestigious award called The Global Energy Prize. One other USA scientist, Yan Douglas Smith, was named, and the third recipient is Grennady Mesiats from...
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Osram Opto Brands OLEDs as PictivaäMay 15, 2003...Osram Opto Semiconductors' San Jose California USA office has let it be known
this week that their ramp of OLEDs is continuing on schedule and that they've
just branded their line as "Pictivaä." Company news release. The clever name was chosen
to symbolize "visual expression through pictures" and represents to
Osram Opto a new generation of sophisticated display performance and functionality.
Produced by using organic polymer materials, Pictiva products generate light
from an electrical current. The Pictiva displays are light, thin and self-emitting.
“The Pictiva brand represents Osram Opto Semiconductors’ commitment to quality,
reliability and advanced OLED technology,” said Joseph Carr, OLED business
unit head, Osram Opto Semiconductors. Pictiva offers video capabilities, a wide
viewing angle and a thin-profile to enable developers and engineers more design
flexibility. “Such technology will assist engineers in expanding their offerings
into new markets while breathing new life into existing applications,” said
Carr. Osram holds a license from Cambridge Display Technology to manufacture
and sell polymer light emitting displays and the company currently manufactures
OLED displays in evaluation quantities at its Penang, Malaysia facility. Company news release. Volume
production is due to commence later this year. The Pictiva Evaluation Kit is
available at an introductory price of $1,850. IAPP Spinout, Novaled, Scores First Round Financing for OLEDsMay 15, 2003...Novaled GmbH of Dresden, Germany has
secured € 5.75 million in its first round of financing. The company was spun
out in 2001 from the Institute for Applied Photophysics (IAPP)
of the Technical University Dresden and the Fraunhofer-Institute for Photonic
Microsystems (FhG-IPMS, formerly IMS) Dresden. Novaled is the vision of its
founders, Prof. Karl Leo, Dr. Martin Pfeiffer, Dr. Jan Blochwitz-Nimoth and
Jörg Amelung and their target product is what the founders term "2nd generation
OLEDs" which feature extremely low operating voltage and high power efficiency
due to the incorporation of doped charge carrier transport layers, a technology
put forward by the IAPP in the past years, and efficient in-line manufacturing.
The company's new funding came from a consortium of international investors
led by venture capital firms TechnoStart and TechFund Capital Europe. Additional
investors included Dresden Fonds, tbg, and Thomson, the media services and equipment
group. Company
news release.
Toshiba Builds on White LED Technology with New Blue Spectrum ColorsMay 14, 2003...Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) together with its parent
company Toshiba Corporation has added what they term "bluish green"
and "reddish purple" LEDs to its line of high luminosity blue spectrum
LEDs. The new LEDs, designated TLBGA1100 for the bluish green and TLRPA1100
for the reddish purple, integrate Toshiba's phosphors and packaging expertise
with Toyoda Gosei's blue spectrum die. The new devices emit a short peak wavelength
of approximately 390 nm and use the same technology approach as Toshiba's TLWA1100
white LED, which received the Photonics 2002 Circle of Excellence Award as one
of the year's 25 most technically innovative products in the optics industry.
The LEDs provide GaN-based UV and Red, Green, Blue (RGB) phosphors in the transparent
resin. TAEC notes that these differ from conventional white LEDs which typically
provide blue emission with Yttrium, Aluminum, Garnet (YAG) yellow phosphors
and, as a result, Toshiba's LED approach offers more variety of color, and advantages
of color controllability and wavelength stability. "These devices are variations
of the white LEDs which use Toshiba's unique approach, and the new colors are
expected to be in great demand for automotive applications," said Masanobu
Sato, business development manager, optoelectronics, for TAEC. Company
news release. Toshiba Announces Blue Spectrum DVD Working PrototypeMay 14, 2003...In yet another blue spectrum new announcement from Toshiba, the company's headquarters
in Tokyo has announced that it has developed a working prototype of a high capacity
dual-layer, single-sided, blue-laser rewritable optical disk, pointing out that
the new disk enjoys key advantages in that it can easily be brought to mass
production with only minimal adjustments to current DVD production facilities.
Ease of manufacturability is a key issue with Japan's DVD standards body, the
DVD Forum. NEC and Toshiba represent one camp of proposed DVD standards, while
the Blu-ray Disc consortium, led by Sony, represents another approach. Licensing
is at the heart of the standards issue. Details of the new disk and its technology
were presented by Toshiba at Optical Data Storage 2003, which was held May 11-14
in Vancouver, BC Canada. Toshiba and NEC jointly proposed to the Forum a format
for a next generation high-definition system based on a high-capacity, blue-laser
DVD, which is now under discussion. NEC will be presenting at Blue
2003 on Thursday, June 12 where attendees from the investment community
and the mainstream media can learn more about the prospects for not only blue
spectrum DVDs, but next gen optical storage drives as well. Company
news release. Accent Fortifies Compound FocusMay 15, 2003...Accent Optical Technologies of Bend,
Oregon USA, which was formed with the purchase of Bio-Rad's semiconductor and
optoelectronic metrology division back in July 2000, and is a supplier of process
control and measurement tools for the optoelectronics, wireless, and silicon
semiconductor equipment industries, is continuing to step up its compound semi
focus. Accent has named Steve Hummel, Ph.D. as its new Chief Technology Officer,
Compound Semiconductors. Hummel will lead Accent's innovation in process control
equipment for GaAs, InP and GaN materials and brings over 20 years of experience
in the field of optoelectronic materials and devices. "Steve has made several
significant contributions to the industry in III-V epitaxy and optoelectronic
detector and emitter devices. Accent will benefit tremendously from his experience
and from his customer-oriented perspective to process control," said Bruce
Rhine, CEO and Chairman, Accent. Company
news release. Earlier this year, Accent also added another compound semi
industry veteran to their ranks by appointing Tom Ryan, PhD as their Director
of Business Development for X-ray Diffraction. Ryan, who was formerly Director
of Marketing at Emcore now leads Accent’s business and marketing efforts in
the X-ray diffraction market and the emerging strained silicon and GaN inline
process control market. May 13, 2003...Those of you who attended know that considerable action on the blue spectrum
LED front (and all colors, for that matter) could be found in the Lumileds booth,
where a large number of impressive systems integrators were allowed to show
their latest accomplishments. But the hottest action was from Lumileds Lighting
itself which announced a line of what the company is calling "warm white"
Luxeon LEDs. The release to the market of this new line is expected in August...
but attendees to Blue 2003
will likely get a preview when Lumileds presents on Thursday, June 12th, along
with all its hot competitors (Cree, Osram Opto, Nichia, etc.) The most noted
feature of this newest in Lumileds' blue spectrum line is a correlated color
temperature (CCT) in the 3200K range, a typical color rendering index (CRI)
of 85+, and an average light output of 22 lumens. Lumileds, which is highly
regarded as being the current leader in blue spectrum LEDs claims it's the first
to introduce these new high-CRI solid-state light source on a volume basis.
See for yourselves at Blue 2003.
In the meantime, read all about it in Lumileds' company
news release. Georgia Tech Packaging Research Center Has A New eNewsletterMay 15, 2003...The Georgia Institute of Technology Packaging Research Center (PRC),
at Georgia Tech University in the USA is a leader in advanced semiconductor
packaging, and now we can all keep pace with what's the latest news from PRC
by checking out their new eNewsletter. Volume 1, Issue 1, April 2003 can be
viewed and reviewed by simply going to prc.gatech.edu/newsletter/prcn1.htm. Mimix Broadband Releases New pHEMT MMIC Amps
May 13, 2003...Mimix Broadband, Inc. of Houston, Texas USA has introduced two new lines of
GaAs pHEMTs. One is a high dynamic range, three stage, 16 to 30 GHz GaAs pHEMT
MMIC buffer amplifier.Company news release. The other is a GaAs MMIC four stage power amp which
functions as an excellent saturated output stage. Using 0.15 micron gate length
GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) device model technology,
this power amplifier covers the 35 to 43 GHz frequency band, and includes Lange
couplers to achieve good output return loss. The MMIC device has a typical small
signal gain of 26 dB, with 24 dBm typical P1dB compression point. Company
news release.
TriQuint Introduces New Low Noise mm-Wave LNAsMay 12, 2003...TriQuint Semiconductor of Hilsboro, Oregon has introduced three new low-noise
amplifier (LNA) integrated circuits (IC's) for millimeter wave communications
applications that operate at extremely high frequencies and offer guaranteed
low noise characteristics necessary for those designing high end digital radios
operating in the 20-42 GHz ranges and KaBand VSAT applications. Dan Green, TriQuint's
Director of Broadband Business-Texas Division, said the new parts would also
help systems integrators reduce their overall costs while improving performance.
"These new high quality LNA's provide a more cost effective solution than
competing devices. They outperform other products in key areas, thereby making
them ideal for phased-array VSAT modules and digital radio ODU (outdoor unit)
assemblies." The product line is fabricated using TriQuint's proven
0.15-micron gate length, 3MI MMW pHEMT process. Company
news release. Anadigics Expands CATV OfferingsMay 12, 2003...Anadigics of Warren, New Jersey USA has expanded its CATV subscriber product
portfolio with the launch of two new downconverters that incorporate dual synthesizers,
and a new reverse path amplifier, for use in CATV set-top boxes and cable modems.
According to Ron Michels, VP of Broadband Products, "As a market leader in RF
components for set-top boxes, Anadigics continues to develop cost-effective
products, enabling set-top box manufacturers to deliver higher performance levels
and more features to their customers. Products such as the ACD2203 and ACD2204
downconverters, and the ARA2008 reverse path amplifier, provide increased functionality
that enables set-top box manufacturers to adopt tuner-on-board solutions that
simplify and accelerate their designs." The ACD2203 and ACD2204 are both priced
at $2.25 in quantities of 10,000, while the ARA2008 is priced at $2.50 in quantities
of 10,000. Samples of all three new devices are available. Company
news release. Aixtron AlGaInSb/P/As Tool Headed to ChinaMay 12, 2003...The Special Administrative Region in Hong Kong, China has issued a purchase
order to Aixtron for an AIX 200/4 system for developing and producing epitaxial
AlGaInSb/P/As and dilute nitride layer structures. Applications for devices
off the new MOCVD platform are slated to include next generation optical and
electronic communication devices, such as HBTs and VCSELs. The specific site
for the new tool will be the Photonics Technology Center of the Hong Kong University
of Science & Technology (HKUST) in, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong. Director of
the center is Professor Kei May Lau. Company
news release. Our news features are reported
by the CompoundSemi News staff writers.
For submissions or content suggestions, you can contact us using
editor -at - compoundsemi.com
For more information and to reserve promotion space contact
Info7 -at - compoundsemi.com
or call +1 (512) 257-9888 |
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The
McDonald Report
Commentary & Perspective...
Nick Holonyak To Receive 2003 International Global Energy Prize in RussiaMay 15, 2003...One of the most noted and most deserving compound semi technology pioneers,
Nick Holonyak of the University of Illinois, is slated to receive a very prestigious
award called The Global Energy Prize.
One other USA scientist, Yan Douglas Smith, was named, and the third recipient
is Grennady Mesiats from Russia. The 2003 Global Energy Prize, worth $900,000,
will be shared equally among the three prize winners, who will accept their
award from Russian President Vladimyr Putin in St. Petersburg on June 15th.
A noted and highly acclaimed compound semi professor at U of Illinois,
Nick Holonyak is being honored for his "contribution to the development
of power silicon electronics and his invention of the first semi-conducting
light-emitting diodes in a visible part of the spectrum." Gennady Mesyats,
VP of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Ian Douglas Smith, Sr. researcher
at Titan Pulse Sciences Division, are being honored “for fundamental research
and development in the field of powerful pulse energy”. Nick Holonyak is regarded,
internationally, as an outstanding scientist and engineer, who has made a serious
contribution to the development of energy-saving technologies. As noted in the
committee announcement,
"Professor Holonyak invented thyristors, which made it possible
to invert direct to alternating current and convert alternating to direct current,
while controlling the process, thereby saving and accumulating energy. Thyristors
are widely used by all electric locomotives to rectify current. At present,
30% of generated energy globally uses thyristors. Holonyak’s other groundbreaking
invention was the first semi-conducting LEDs in a visible part of the spectrum,
contributing to the development of a new direction in the modern energy sector.
LED technologies are now developing rapidly, and in ten years incandescent lamps
are expected to be used everywhere."
The committee noted that “Nick Holonyak’s inventions are crucial, paving
the way to new ways of efficient energy saving technologies. Accompanying Nick
to this prestigious event to share in the international spotlight, will be Nick's longtime friend and compound semi industry colleague George Craford, Chief Technology Officer of Lumileds and
the longtime technology champion who helped Hewlett Packard, then Agilent,
and now Lumileds "see the light." George Craford is, himself, a noted compound semi HB-LED
pioneer. George was to be named a recipient
of CompoundSemi's first-ever Pioneer Awards at our Blue
2003-Behind the Hot Apps industry review and media event in Dallas, June
11-13 but he respectfully had to decline this year because of the importance
of accompanying Nick on this auspicious occasion. We hope to honor both George
and Nick at a subsequent CompoundSemi Pioneer recognition event. Winners of
our Pioneer Awards, all of whom will be in attendance, will be announced and
introduced to Blue 2003 attendees and the press at our "Celebration
of the Blues" party Thursday evening, June 12th at the Fairmont Hotel
in Dallas.
Blue Spectrum Semiconductors Thrive Despite DownturnMay 12, 2003...Here's the initial Blue 2003 press release that was just blasted to the international
media. Note that when one bravely ventures out beyond the well-trod halls around
our familiar CompoundSemi circles and technology wells, one has to deal
in less technical, more layperson terms to prevent the glazing over of innocent
eyes. So we thought you'd like to see what the mainstream business and technology
press corp is now seeing, feeling, and believing... . because it's true!
Everyone’s looking for good news, and one of the very few semiconductor
sectors in a position to provide just that (good news, real profits, and strong
prospects) are the companies working in and around solid state blue spectrum
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Laser Diodes (LDs), and the Group III nitride
semiconductor materials that make them possible.
Why the anomaly? Blue spectrum LEDs are revolutionizing conventional
lighting, and blue spectrum LDs are driving next generation DVDs, laser printers,
and computer optical drives. You’ve just to look at the performance of one of
the compound semi industry’s ideally typical publicly held companies, CREE Inc.,
(NASDAQ: CREE) to see that this sector is thriving. As those within the compound
semi industry well know, CREE created its company back in 1987 with the mission
of producing commercial-worthy blue spectrum LEDs. Their tiny blue lights, so
cool to the touch and so energy-efficient, started lighting the interiors of
elevators and automobiles, and as other companies, such as Nichia, Lumileds
Lighting and Osram joined the field, the lights got brighter and whiter, and
finally so bright they lased.
Blue spectrum LEDs are now bright enough to be used as automotive headlights
and are quickly replacing conventional white lights everywhere, and soon will
be as popular as Edison’s incandescent light bulb. Sony just introduced their
new blue laser optical drives, which store many times over previous capacity.
People want and need blue spectrum solid state solutions. The energy efficiencies
are overwhelmingly convincing to those responsible for integrating blue spectrum
devices into updated systems. Other key blue spectrum leaders working hard to
meet exceptional demands and turning excellent profits are Lumileds Lighting
(jointly owned by Agilent and Philips), Osram Opto Semiconductors, Nichia, GELcore
(a joint venture of General Electric and EMCORE), and NEC.
Each of those companies and many others are on the speaker roster for
Blue 2003 -- Behind the
Hot Apps. Blue 2003 is being organized by CompoundSemi
Online, the resource portal for the international compound semi industry, as
the first-of-its-kind celebration event for the compound semiconductor industry.
To reserve a seat or to access an updated agenda: www.CompoundSemi.com/blue2003.
Editors Note: The myriad of stories and behind-scene struggles that
have created this semiconductor sector’s "20 year overnight success" will be
revealed and celebrated at Blue 2003. The incredible synergy created by this
close-knit international technology community is a story in itself. Journalists
representing the mainstream business and technology press will be VIP attendees
at the event, along with key financial and market analysts. Virtually all the
industry pioneers, shakers, and movers will be there too for this first-ever
"Celebration of the Blues." To reserve a seat, simply visit www.CompoundSemi.com
and go to "Blue 2003." Contact: Tom Griffiths CompoundSemi Online Tel
in Austin, Texas USA +1- 512-261-9653 tomg@compoundsemi.com
If you have questions about the
solid state lighting and compound semiconductor industries or have news
or views to share, I'm Jo Ann McDonald, Editor of LIGHTimes and CompoundSemi News.
Feel free to contact me directly, anytime. 
My direct tel at the ranch is
+1-325-463-5345
From time to time Jo Ann may comment on companies in which she holds a
modest investment - be sure to read
her disclosure at some point in time... |
