Aluminum-scandium (AlSc) alloys are lightweight metal alloys first widely used in the aerospace industry. More recently, high-scandium-content AlSc targets have gained prominence in semiconductor manufacturing, where they can be sputtered reactively with nitrogen to produce piezoelectric AlScN layers. These layers are used in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) actuators and sensors as well as radiofrequency filters for mobile communication devices, particularly newer broadband applications such as 5G or the latest WiFi standards.
Materion maintains a center of competence for AlSc targets at our Alzenau, Germany, facility. From there we ship AlSc targets with a variety of scandium concentrations to destinations around the world. These range from AlSc7a% to AlSc43a%, with R&D prototypes possible at or even beyond AlSc50a%.
Materion tailors key physical properties of its AlSc targets, including microstructure and precise scandium concentration, resulting in highly customized targets. These targets enable our business partners to produce market-leading, high-quality RF devices with higher-than-average yields.
We are also committed to research and development, and to investigating future target solutions for next-generation piezoelectric devices in cooperation with our customers.
The main obstacle to wider use of AlSc targets is the high cost and somewhat limited availability of scandium, a rare earth element found in low concentrations in various ores around the world. Its extraction and purification are expensive, leading to low levels of global production of semiconductor-grade, high-purity scandium metal.
Materion recognizes these challenges and partners with its customers to ensure a steady supply of high-quality AlSc targets. Our experienced supply chain team navigates the continually shifting global rare earth market to support semiconductor manufacturers in the communications and other fields.
For more information, or to speak with a Materion representative about AlSc options, connect with us today.