Headquartered in North Carolina but with facilites also in Korea and Japan, HexaTech has outgrown the SBIR program. The firm engages in development and production of single crystalline aluminum nitride substrates for electronic and optoelectronic semiconductor devices. HexaTech is leading the development and commercialization of the next-generation semiconductor, aluminum nitride (AlN). This wide bandgap semiconductor offers unique materials properties that enable the fabrication of first-in-kind devices for clean water applications, and for power conversion of alternative energy sources.The firm's products are used in a wide range of electronic devices, such as µ-wave and surface acoustic wave devices for wireless communications, and mm-wave and THz devices for communication applications; ultraviolet lasers, LEDs, and detectors, which include optical data storage, printers, chemical and bioagent detection, sterilization and disinfection devices, and analytical devices for biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries; and solid-state lighting products. High-performance AlGaN semiconductor devices currently face a crucial challenge in terms of achievable device quality. Fabricating these devices on lattice-matched, highly thermally conducting, single crystalline AlN wafers enables sophisticated, next-generation AlGaN-based devices with vastly superior performance and device lifetimes.To address new market opportunities, HexaTech is developing several product lines: Ultraviolet LEDs: Nitride LEDs based on AlN substrates are capable of generating light in the UV-C band (200nm to 260nm). Light at 260 nm efficiently breaks up DNA and de-activates bacteria and viruses in water and on surfaces. UV-C LEDs operating in this wavelength range enable a new generation of products in disinfection, water purification and healthcare applications. Power Conversion Devices: High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and high-performance Schottky diodes are needed for efficient power conversion. Whether converting between AC and DC or shifting voltages up or down, power conversion applications are ubiquitous. For applications such as hybrid vehicles and wind/solar electricity generation, power conversion efficiency is absolutely critical. AlN-based power conversion devices hold the promise of providing the ultimate in efficiency. High-power, high-frequency Electronic Devices: High-power microwave and millimeter-wave devices are needed for advanced wireless communications. AlN Wafers: To accelerate the development of next generation UV-C LEDs, lasers and detectors, HexaTech is providing AlN wafers to selected partners. By providing wafers with 10,000 to 1,000,000 times fewer defects than competing technologies, HexaTech's AlN wafers enable breakthrough performance in the fabrication of high Al content AlGaN-based devices.
