Technology Development



Since 2009, HexaTech has been actively engaged in the development of AlN-based device technologies, including UV-C wavelength LEDs and laser diodes, as well as high voltage power devices. During this time, HexaTech invested over $3M in facilities and equipment to establish a state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facility, producing ground-breaking new discoveries based on AlN substrates.


UV-C Light Emitting Diodes


In 2010, as part of the Army Research Laboratories Compact Mid-Ultraviolet Technology (CMUVT) program, HexaTech was instrumental in developing AlN-based UV emitters through the supply of high quality AlN substrates and full device design and fabrication capability.

Read more about Stanley Electric's UV-C LED products based on HexaTech's substrates.


High Voltage Power Devices


Following this success, in 2012 HexaTech was awarded a $2.8M U.S. Department Of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) contract for the research and development of first of its kind, high voltage power switching devices, based on HexaTech’s amassed knowledge of high Al content AlGaN structures coupled with its world-leading AlN substrate technology. This work resulted in the demonstration of the first known AlN-based 5 kV Schottky diode, and expanded the knowledge base for next generation high voltage semiconductor designs.


UV-C Laser Diodes


Beginning in 2014, HexaTech was part of a $4M contract awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program known as Laser UV Sources for Tactical Efficient Raman, or LUSTER, which was targeted at developing a coherent, short-wavelength UV light source, or laser diode, aimed at a range of applications such as decontamination, precision manufacturing, real-time medical diagnostics, and chemical and biological identification using Raman spectroscopy. HexaTech’s unique AlN substrates, as well as its device design and fabrication capabilities, were an essential part of the success of this program.


Proven Value


Overall, these investments, along with the strong collaboration of strategic commercial customers, have provided HexaTech a one-of-a-kind platform to not only showcase the benefits and viability of AlN-based devices, but to establish a broad, highly valuable and marketable portfolio of intellectual property (IP) in the form of issued patents, patents pending and process know-how.

HexaTech continues to seek out and engage with government and commercial partners to accelerate development and time-to-market for new AlN-based technologies, as well as to highlight the unique and exceptional properties of AlN materials.