Gallium arsenide is a mature III-V semiconductor with established applications in RF, microwave, and space-based power generation.
What is Gallium Arsenide?
Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is a III-V compound semiconductor combining gallium and arsenic. It was the first III-V semiconductor to see widespread commercial application.
Key Properties
Bandgap
- Direct bandgap: 1.42 eV
- Electron mobility: 8,500 cm²/(V·s) - 6x better than silicon
- Frequency response: Superior high-frequency performance
Optical Properties
- Direct bandgap: Efficient light emission possible
- LED and laser capability: Optoelectronic applications
- Photodetection: Light detection capability
Historical Significance
- First commercial III-V semiconductor
- Proven reliability and maturity
- Decades of operational history
- Well-established supply chains
Established Applications
RF and Microwave
- Mobile base station amplifiers
- Satellite communications
- Military radar systems
- High-frequency switching
Optoelectronics
- Laser diodes
- LEDs (infrared primarily)
- Photodetectors
- Optical modulation
Space Solar Cells
- Satellite power systems
- 40%+ conversion efficiency
- Radiation-hardened versions
- Deep-space mission critical
High-Speed Circuits
- Specialized computing
- Military applications
- Niche high-performance needs
Market Status
Current Position
- Mature, stable market
- Limited growth potential
- Commodity-like pricing
- Established competition
Market Size
- ~100-150 metric tons annually
- Primarily for space and military
- Lower growth than GaN
- Specialized applications
Competitive Pressure
- GaN stealing some market share
- Lower cost silicon improving
- Niche market consolidation
- Declining demand in some segments
Investment Perspective
Advantages
- Proven, mature technology
- Stable demand
- Predictable market dynamics
- Established supply chains
Limitations
- Limited growth potential
- Commodity market characteristics
- Competition from alternatives
- Mature technology plateau
Outlook
- Stable long-term demand
- Niche market sustainability
- Lower growth than emerging materials
- Fundamental applications remain
Supply Chain
Production
- Integrated circuit manufacturers
- Specialty semiconductor producers
- Limited pure-play suppliers
- Established relationships
Cost Structure
- Higher manufacturing cost than silicon
- Economies of scale from decades of production
- Compound material complexity
- Pricing reflects maturity