Wide bandgap semiconductors
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Wide bandgap semiconductors have applications in optoelectronic and power devices.
Gallium nitride (GaN) is used to make blue LEDs and lasers. In the future, high brightness, long life white LEDs may replace incandescent bulbs in many situations. The next generation of DVD players, the Blu-ray disk, uses GaN based lasers.
Aluminium nitride can be used to fabricate ultraviolet LEDs with wavelengths down to 200-250 nm. Due to its cost, it is so far used mostly in military applications.
Devices for high power and high temperature applications have been developed. Both gallium nitride and silicon carbide are robust materials well suited for such applications. Cubic boron nitride is used as well. Most of these are for specialist applications in space programmes and military systems. They have not begun to displace silicon from its leading place in the general power semiconductor market.
