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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.

In the process of silicon wafer manufacturing, after the crystal rod is cut into silicon wafers, it will need to be polished and cleaned to obtain a single crystal silicon wafer like a mirror.

Within the silicon carbide (SiC) industry chain, substrate suppliers hold significant leverage, primarily due to value distribution. SiC substrates account for 47% of the total value, followed by epitaxial layers at 23%, while device design and manufacturing constitute the remaining 30%. This inverted value chain stems from the high technological barriers inherent to substrate and epitaxial layer production. Three major challenges plague SiC substrate growth: stringent growth conditions, slow growth rates, and demanding crystallographic requirements. These complexities contribute to increased processing difficulty, ultimately resulting in low product yields and high costs. Furthermore, the epitaxial layer’s thickness and doping concentration are critical parameters directly impacting the final device performance.

Silicon carbide (SiC), as an important high-end ceramic material, has excellent properties such as high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, high-temperature mechanical strength, and oxidation resistance. These properties make it highly promising for applications in high-tech fields such as semiconductors, nuclear energy, defense, and space technology.

Oxidation processes play a critical role in preventing such problems by creating a protective layer on the wafer, known as the oxide layer, which acts as a barrier between different chemicals.

In the semiconductor manufacturing process, wafers form the foundation of chip production. Among these, a special type of wafer, referred to as the Dummy Wafer, plays a pivotal role in ensuring equipment stability and controlling production costs.