A European consortium, spearheaded by Soitec, a global leader in semiconductor materials innovation, has launched an ambitious project to develop next-generation high-frequency semiconductors based on Indium Phosphide (InP). This cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize various fields, from photonics powering mega data centers and artificial intelligence to critical components for 6G mobile communications and Sub-THz radar sensing.
Indium Phosphide-based devices offer the capability to operate at frequencies nearing or surpassing 1 terahertz (THz), providing a remarkable boost in speed and energy efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based semiconductors. The applications range from advanced radio frequency front-ends and integrated antennas to systems at the heart of future telecommunications infrastructure.
The 27-member consortium, known as Move2THz, is committed to building a robust European supply chain for InP semiconductors. By addressing key challenges such as the cost and accessibility of InP-based advanced substrates, the project aims to lay the foundation for widespread adoption of this technology across Europe. The initiative is backed by European Union funding, with additional financial support from France, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Emmanuelle Bely, General Secretary of Soitec, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “This project marks a key step toward the integration of ever more powerful and energy-efficient semiconductor technologies. We are paving the way for innovations in sectors like 6G telecommunications, photonics, and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, it represents our shared vision of creating a strong and autonomous European ecosystem capable of overcoming technical and economic challenges for large-scale adoption.”
As the race toward 6G and other advanced technologies intensifies, Europe's investment in Indium Phosphide semiconductors positions the continent at the forefront of innovation, promising to reshape industries reliant on high-frequency and energy-efficient systems.
Click here for more information about Move2Tz.
