Float zone silicon wafers are known for their high resistivity compared to other types of silicon wafers. Typical resistivity ranges include:
- High-Resistivity Wafers: 500 Ω·cm to >10,000 Ω·cm, ideal for RF and high-frequency applications.
- Medium-Resistivity Wafers: 10 Ω·cm to 500 Ω·cm, used in solar cells and certain power electronics.
- Low-Resistivity Wafers: 0.01 Ω·cm to 10 Ω·cm, suitable for high-current power devices and MEMS applications.
Applications of Float Zone Silicon Wafers
- Power Electronics: Diodes, thyristors, and IGBTs for high-voltage systems.
- Photovoltaics: High-efficiency solar panels for space and concentrated systems.
- RF and Microwave Devices: High-frequency circuits for telecommunications and radar.
- Particle Detectors: Used in high-energy physics and medical imaging.
- Aerospace and Defense: Radiation-resistant materials for satellites and spacecraft.
- Research and Development: Essential for advanced semiconductor studies and experiments.