Did you know that silicon wafers make your computers, smartphones, and televisions work? Silicon wafer manufacturers produce the integrated circuits found in these digital devices. Let’s take a closer look at what silicon wafers are all about.
When the very first silicon semiconductor wafer was created in 1960, it only had a 1-inch diameter. Nowadays, the diameters of modern silicon wafers can be anywhere between 11 to 18 inches.
Wafers that are made out of silicon are hybrids of both metals and insulators. These can be potently conducted by electricity. However, it’s important to note that other elements such as indium phosphide, germanium, quartz, and sapphire can also be used as materials for creating semiconductors.
In the modern era, integrated circuits that are used in computing devices use silicon wafers. Decades before compact and reliable integrated circuits were invented, people used old and bulky vacuum tubes.
The U.S. has an economy that is far more progressive and industrialized than other countries. For this reason, the U.S. has approximately 51% of silicon wafer market shares across the globe. The U.S.-made silicon wafers are distributed for further branding to other countries including Russia, Germany, and Japan.
Water is the general solvent that’s used in the creation of silicon wafers. A typical silicon wafer manufacturing facility can use up to 4.8 million gallons of water on a daily basis.
A Swedish chemist named Jacob Berzelius discovered silicon in 1824. Berzelius applied heat in potassium chips that were placed inside silica flasks before he carefully rinsed away its residual by-products. Nowadays, the production of silicon involves the heating of sand with carbon for up to 2200°C.
Silicon is the most popular material used for creating semiconductor wafers for mobile devices and processing units. Compared to other elements, silicon is known for its durability and its ability to function efficiently even in extreme temperatures.
If you’re looking to find high-quality wafers for your next project, contact Wafer World today for inquiries.
