Epiwafer producer IQE and optoelectronic components maker II-VI have report orders and growth driven by demands for sensing and communication technology. UK-based wafer product supplier IQE announced that has received the first mass production order for its recently constructed Newport Mega Foundry from its VCSEL customer. Optical components manufacturer II-VI reported its Fiscal 3Q19 results with strong demands for communications products.

IQE reported that it has achieved full product qualification with its existing VCSEL client and is processing further VCSEL product qualifications with more than ten other customers, two of which are expected to reach a conclusion in the coming weeks.

(Image: IQE)

The company’s new facility, Newport Mega Foundry, has been installed with ten MOCVD tools and will be producing 6-inch VCSEL for end applications including 3D sensing, high-speed datacoms, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), LiDAR, proximity sensing and Time of Flight (ToF) systems.

Dr Drew Nelson, CEO and President of IQE commented, “We have a powerful and extensive roadmap for VCSEL technology, which we believe will help the acceleration of the deployment of VCSELs across many end applications.”

Meanwhile, II-VI released the financial results of its fiscal 3Q19 ending March 31, 2019. The company said that the deployment of 5G boosted strong demands for its products. Revenue for the fiscal 3Q19 grew by 16% YoY to US$ 324.2 million and the net earnings came to US$24.6, down by 18% compared to 3Q18.

Products for communications accounted for 47% of revenue while reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) products have increased by 80% YoY, indicating intensified needs from the market.

For 3D sensing, the company expects that growth in the second half of the year with its cooperation with smartphone makers.

“In our growth markets, the quarter’s performance was also driven by very strong growth in EUV and SiC, both of which now have expanded capacity in place. In 3D sensing, we expect to see increases in shipments in the second half of this calendar year and we have achieved an important design win in an Android platform. Our global II-VI teams made great progress on the integration planning of the Finisar acquisition. We are looking forward to final regulatory approval from China, which we still believe will occur mid-year 2019.”