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News

18 July 2007

 

Tekcore adds wafer processing equipment amid investment speculation

Tekcore Co Ltd of Nantou, Taiwan has purchased two IX-210 ChromaDice wafer scribing systems and an IX-260 ChromaLift LLO (LED Lift-Off) system from J P Sercel Associates (JPSA) of Manchester, NH, USA. Founded in 2000, Tekcore provides epiwafers for a range of applications, such as lighting, displays, backlights and automotive. Its products include HB-LED chips with wavelengths ranging from UV to green (370-530 nm), and large area LEDs.

JPSA’s IX-210 ChromaDice is a UV laser workstation equipped with a diode-pumped solid state laser; it is a Class 1 industrial-grade system designed for high-volume wafer singulation, says the company. JPSA adds that the UV laser process is a fast, low-stress, vibration-free method of singulation that minimizes chip breakage after cutting, with kerfs as narrow as 2.5 microns. ChromaDice systems feature air bearing stages that provide higher speed and acceleration in addition to greater travel for up to 300mm wafers. With its patented beam delivery system, the ChromaDice allows front side scribing in sapphire LEDs, which the company says results in lower light loss compared to conventional back-side scribing, high throughput of 12 wafers per hour and up to 20% more die per wafer.  

A UV excimer-based laser system, JPSA’s IX-260 ChromaLift LLO uses proprietary UV laser technology to produce HB-LEDs. According to JPSA, LED liftoff enables the manufacturer to grow vertical design LED devices which provide the highest light output. The IX-260 homogenizes the laser beam profile and fires through the back of a sapphire wafer to de-bond the LED device and transfer it to a substrate. It can then be packaged onto a heat sink and/or optical reflector.

*Investment speculation

Quoting the Chinese-language Commercial Times, a report from DigiTimes speculates that LED maker Everlight Electronic may be about to invest in Tekcore. In a bid to expand capacity, Tekcore plans to raise funds of NT$300m and issue convertible bonds worth NT$600m, adds the report.

Tekcore is said to have confirmed to the Commercial Times that it is looking to establish a strategic partner, but declined to offer specific information about who it is in talks with. Everlight also declined to confirm that it is in talks with Tekcore.

See related items:

JPSA highlights new IX-4000 series; appoints Brun as QA manager

Tekcore ramps-up for blue laser market with Aixtron’s AIX 2400G3 HT IC MOCVD system

Tekcore talking BLU

Visit Tekcore: http://www.tekcore.com.tw

Visit JPSA: http://www.jpsalaser.com

Visit Everlight: http://www.everlight.com

Visit DigiTimes: http://www.digitimes.com