27
September 2002
Umicore
Advanced Materials signs research contract with the European space Agency (ESA)
for the development of new materials.
Umicore recently signed a co-funded research contract for EUR 3.7 million with ESTEC, the research and technology centre of the European Space Agency. This contract creates a framework for the joint development of silicon carbide substrates to be used in high power electronic devices.
This project will broaden the successful collaboration between Umicore and ESA on germanium for space solar cells to encompass silicon carbide, a compound semiconductor material with significant potential.
Satellite communication is a fast developing application. Technological requirements in the near future will necessitate more powerful telecommunication devices. The next generation of devices is built around gallium nitride on silicon carbide substrates. This technology will enable higher levels of efficiency -more power with reduced weight and reduced volume: all this at acceptable cost. This is the environment in which the silicon carbide substrates are needed.
The development of a silicon carbide substrate with a high crystalline perfection and a minimum of surface defects is the main target of this research programme.
This project prepares a technological platform for the future presence of Umicore Advanced Materials in silicon carbide. In the longer term, Umicore Advanced Materials intends to become an important player in the production and commercialisation of silicon carbide substrates for a variety of electronic and opto-electronic applications.
For more information:
n.v.Umicore s.a.:
Press:
Mrs Moniek DELVOU - Tel. +32 2 227 70 63 * +32 475 26 64 95 – moniek.delvou@umicore.com
PROFILE
Umicore is an international Group involved in the production, recycling and marketing of metals and materials. Its activities are centred on four business areas -Advanced Materials, Copper, Precious Metals and Zinc. These business areas are in turn divided into smaller, market-focused business units.
Umicore focuses on application areas where it knows its expertise in materials science and metallurgy can make a real difference, be it in products that are essential to everyday life or those at the cutting edge of exciting, new technological developments. Umicore's overriding goal of sustainable value creation is based on this ambition to develop, produce and recycle metals in a way the fulfils its mission: materials for a better life.
The Advanced Materials business group produces high-purity metals, alloys, compounds and engineered products for a wide range of applications, and is the world leader in cobalt compounds and germanium products. The business group is divided into three business units, Cobalt & Energy Products and Electro-Optic Materials and Specialty Materials, and also contains a specialist venture unit devoted to identifying and nurturing new business opportunities and projects.
The Umicore Group has industrial operations on all continents and serves a global customer base; it generated a turnover of EUR 3.5 billion in 2001 and currently employs some 9,000 people.