AXT, Inc.

VGF Strength. Performance. Innovation.

AXT is a material science company that develops and manufactures high-performance compound and single element semiconductor wafer substrates comprising indium phosphide (InP), gallium arsenide (GaAs) and germanium (Ge). The company’s wafer substrates are used when a typical silicon wafer substrate cannot meet the performance requirements of a semiconductor or optoelectronic device. End markets include 5G infrastructure, data center connectivity (silicon photonics), passive optical networks, medical/well-being testing, LED lighting, lasers, sensors, power amplifiers for wireless devices and satellite solar cells. AXT’s worldwide headquarters are in Fremont, California and includes sales, administration and customer service functions. AXT’s subsidiary in China (“Tongmei”) has similar functions as well as manufacturing facilities to produce wafer substrates. In addition, as part of the supply chain strategy, AXT, Tongmei and Tongmei subsidiaries collectively have partial ownership in ten companies in China producing raw materials. Although our process and products are complex and technically sophisticated, our value message is elegantly straightforward - as expressed by our tagline's three AXT VGF attributes. They are:

Strength: Twenty years ago, we pioneered the commercialization of vertical gradient freeze, or VGF technology for manufacturing compound semiconductor substrates. Our proprietary VGF crystal growth process technology produces substrates with competitive sustainable advantages such as lower etch pit density (EPD) compared with conventional methods, lower stress, and the greatest mechanical strength, so that our customers experience less breakage and attain higher yields. In addition, our management team, under the direction of Dr. Morris Young, CEO, represents strength in knowledge and experience, reflecting more than 120 years of achievement in the semiconductor industry.

Performance: Our customers manufacture LEDs, electronic devices for switches, power amplifiers and laser diodes. Our VGF technology achieves excellent  diameter control, outstanding radial symmetry, low axial and radial temperature gradient, and excellent thermal dynamic stability. These advantages result in ultra-thin wafers greater than or equal to 100 microns, without the need for backside lapping after epitaxy. We also perform for customers by offering off-orientation wafers, made to order, such as 110, (111)A, and (111)B.

Innovation: AXT was the first company to commercialize VGF technology in the industry. We have continued our track record of innovation as the first company to introduce 6-inch-diameter substrates produced using VGF technology. And today, we remain the only company to manufacture germanium substrates using VGF technology. Our substrate manufacturing facility in Beijing is the largest in the world. In addition to innovations in new products for the marketplace, we are also advancing our ability to be the market's lowest cost producer.  We are adding state-of-the-art equipment for process control and material characterization. From a business perspective, we are the first company in our industry to establish raw material subsidiaries & joint ventures in China. Today we have a total of 10 subsidiaries & joint ventures, through which we offer raw materials such as Ga-4N, 6N, and 7N, Ge, As-4N, 6N, and 7N, pBN  components, crucibles, and other related MBE parts. In addition, we pioneer better ways to support customers with greater responsiveness, such as offering consignment for their spot business opportunities, or meeting regularly with customers' marketing and technical people to match our material development with their product plans, so that we can decrease their time to market..