Recently, Japan's Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. is said to develop the world’s first 6-inch diameter gallium nitride (GaN) substrates for white LEDs.

Presently, the white LED market has been growing using 2- to 4-inch sapphire substrates. As an alternative to sapphire, Sumitomo Electric began production of 2-inch diameter GaN substrates designed for use in white LEDs.

According to the company, these materials will enable LED manufacturers to reduce chip sizes and increase output power. The company also believes GaN substrates will be used for power devices because of the excellent thermal conductivity, electric responsiveness and breakdown voltage of devices made using these materials.

Additionally, Sumitomo Electric also has been producted 2-inch diameter GaN substrates for blue-violet lasers. These GaN substrates enabled production of the first Blu-ray DVD players.

Reportedly, Sumitomo is expanding its saw wire business with the establishment of a wholly-owned Taiwan subsidiary, called Taiwan Sumiden Steel Wire Co. Ltd.