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GLOSSARY TERM

Semiconductor Raw Materials

What Are Semiconductor Raw Materials?

Semiconductor raw materials are the unprocessed substances used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, such as transistors and microchips.

Common raw materials

Silicon (Si)

Refined from silica (SiO₂), silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material processed into high-purity silicon wafers for chip manufacturing.

Other substrates

  • Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) – Used in high-frequency and optoelectronic devices, including solar cells, LEDs, and integrated circuits (ICs).

Dopants

  • Boron (B) – P-type dopant for silicon, germanium, and SiC. Its low activation energy allows devices to work well at cooler temperatures.

Metals and interconnect materials

  • Copper (Cu) – The primary material for interconnects in modern ICs due to its low electrical resistance.

Precious metals

  • Gold (Au) – Used for its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion, ensuring reliable electrical connections.

Dielectric and insulating layers

  • Silica (SiO₂) – A key insulating material in semiconductor manufacturing.

Role of raw materials in semiconductor production

Each category of raw materials plays a critical role in ensuring the functionality, performance, and reliability of semiconductor devices. Here is an overview:

  • Substrates provide the surface upon which all other layers, such as doped regions, metal interconnects, and dielectric materials, are built. In most cases, Si is the primary substrate, but other materials like GaN and SiC are also used in specific applications due to their unique properties.

Quality and purity requirements

Specific standards for the quality and purity of raw materials in microchip manufacturing help ensure the production of high-performance, reliable devices. Silicon and other substrates must have a purity level of 99.9999% (6N) to 99.9999999% (9N) to avoid defects and ensure efficient operation. Dopants also need to be extremely pure to precisely control electrical properties. Metals, precious metals, and dielectrics require purity levels of 4N to 5N to minimize resistance in interconnects and ensure reliable connections and performance.

Physical properties like thickness and strength are tested for each raw material to ensure compatibility with processes like photolithography and durability under manufacturing conditions. Defect levels should be low, as wafers require smooth, contamination-free surfaces. 

Sourcing raw materials

Here are a few factors to consider while sourcing raw materials for manufacturing ICs:

  • Geographical concentration: Critical raw materials like silicon, germanium, and gallium are concentrated in specific regions, particularly China. This dependency on one area can create supply risks due to political instability, trade restrictions, or natural disasters.