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​In the realms of semiconductor technology and microelectronics, the concepts of substrates and epitaxy hold significant importance. They play critical roles in the manufacturing process of semiconductor devices. This article will delve into the differences between semiconductor substrates and epitaxy, covering their definitions, functions, material structures, and application areas.

The history of silicon carbide (SiC) dates back to 1891, when Edward Goodrich Acheson accidentally discovered it while attempting to synthesize artificial diamonds. Acheson heated a mixture of clay (aluminosilicate) and powdered coke (carbon) in an electric furnace. Instead of the expected diamonds, he obtained a bright green crystal adhering to the carbon. This crystal had a hardness second only to diamond, and was thus named carborundum. In 1904, French-Jewish chemist Henri Moissan discovered rare natural silicon carbide minerals while studying meteorite samples from the Diablo Canyon in Arizona, USA. He named these minerals moissanite, and his discovery earned him the 1906 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

The current third-generation semiconductors are primarily based on Silicon Carbide, with substrates accounting for 47% of device costs, and epitaxy accounting for 23%, totaling approximately 70% and forming the most crucial part of the SiC device manufacturing industry.

The push for higher power density and efficiency has become a primary driver of innovation across multiple industries, including data centers, renewable energy, consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and autonomous driving technologies. In the realm of wide bandgap (WBG) materials, Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) are currently the two core platforms, viewed as pivotal tools leading power semiconductor innovation. These materials are profoundly transforming the power electronics industry to address the ever-increasing demand for power.

The ultra-high synthesis temperature and the difficulty of achieving dense sintering of SiC ceramics have limited their development. The sintering process is crucial for SiC ceramics.

4H-SiC, as a third-generation semiconductor material, is renowned for its wide bandgap, high thermal conductivity, and excellent chemical and thermal stability, making it highly valuable in high-power and high-frequency applications.