IQE plc, the Welsh supplier of advanced wafer products and wafer services to the semiconductor industry, announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, NanoGaN Limited, has secured the purchase and assignment of a portfolio of patents from Taiwan based Luxtaltek Corporation.

(Image: Cardiff University)

The portfolio of 54 patents cover a range of novel technologies and applications based mainly on Quasi Photonic Crystals (QPC). This advanced materials technology complements the Group’s organic development of NanoImprint Lithography (“NIL”), and broadens the potential application of NIL beyond IQE’s current focus on advanced DFB lasers.

Indeed, the patents acquired have applications in Optical components including VCSEL and edge emitting lasers, modulators, silicon photonics, fibre optic systems, micro LED displays, image sensors including Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE) and biosensors.

NanoGan Limited has agreed a one-off payment of US$500,000 for the purchase. The IQE Board believes that the Group is well positioned to commercialise this new technology thanks to its existing in-house NIL capability.

“Over the last few years, IQE has developed an exciting and strong IP portfolio, which, coupled with the expertise and manufacturing capability to commercialise these new materials technologies have uniquely positioned IQE as the clear global leader in providing advanced compound semiconductor technology solutions,” said Dr. Drew Nelson, IQE Chief Executive.

“This significant addition to our IP portfolio provides the Group with additional competitive advantages that will secure our entry and maintain our leadership across a range of new and emerging technology applications, and offer our customers access to a unique portfolio of materials expertise,” he concluded.