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Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technologies to provide epiwafers for Aeluma
**Aeluma and Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technologies (SCAT) partner to accelerate photonics wafer production for AI datacom, leveraging non-InP substrates to bypass indium phosphide supply constraints.** Aeluma Inc of Goleta, CA, USA, a specialist in scalable technologies for AI, mobile, defense, and quantum, has executed an agreement with Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technologies (SCAT) of Phoenix, AZ, USA, a subsidiary of Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd, to accelerate development and production of photonics wafers for the AI datacom market. The partnership initially leverages existing metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) capabilities at SCAT’s manufacturing facility, with a path for future capacity expansion. Aeluma’s large-diameter non-indium phosphide (non-InP) photonics platform combines best-in-class materials with mass-market microelectronics manufacturing. With InP substrates in short supply and geopolitical risks adding uncertainty, alternative approaches are needed for high-performance photonics components such as photodetectors and lasers. Traditional InP manufacturing uses 100mm substrates; while 150mm InP lines are emerging, new fabs require time and resources to qualify, and InP substrates remain expensive and scarce. Aeluma’s heterogeneous integration leverages readily available non-InP substrates, including 150mm gallium arsenide (GaAs) and 200–300mm silicon (Si). Beyond the SCAT partnership, Aeluma complements its in-house MOCVD capabilities by working with established large-volume GaAs and Si foundries for component fabrication, eliminating dependence on new fab buildouts. SCAT produces epitaxial wafers in Phoenix for optical communications, smartphones, wireless, and automotive industries. “SCAT is an ideal partner to pair with Aeluma’s in-house MOCVD, capable of producing wafers of any size, including 150mm, 200mm, and 300mm substrates,” said Aeluma founder & CEO Jonathan Klamkin. “We have been working with SCAT for several years. This new agreement aims to strengthen our relationship and set the stage for accelerated development, qualification, production, and future potential expansion.” SCAT president & executive officer Dr Ken Campman noted, “Demand for epitaxial wafers for photodetectors and lasers has grown significantly, but InP substrate supply is limiting development. Aeluma’s technology is a promising solution for the datacom market and may impact other markets as well.”