30 September 2019

Cardiff, UK. 30thSeptember 2019: IQE plc (AIM: IQE; "IQE"), the leading global supplier of advanced wafer products and materials solutions to the semiconductor industry, announces the successful device and module qualification for VCSEL epi-wafers for a major Asian OEM. This represents an important development in the adoption of 3D sensing technology by Android smartphones, with production volumes anticipated in 2020.

Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) are a key component in multiple current and future 3D sensor systems, using both structured light and Time of Flight (ToF) technologies. Applications range from 3D Facial Identification (front facing) systems and world facing cameras on mobile handsets, to LiDAR and in cabin sensing for autonomous drive vehicles.

Production volumes are expected to ramp strongly over the next few years as adoption across multiple mobile platforms and other use cases proliferate. In anticipation of this strong growth, IQE has invested over the last two years in building the worlds’ largest VCSEL epi-wafer facility in Newport, UK (IQE’s Mega Epi Foundry).

CONTACTS:

IQE plc
+44 (0) 29 2083 9400
Drew Nelson
Tim Pullen

Peel Hunt LLP (Nomad and Joint Broker)
+44 (0) 20 7418 8900
Edward Knight
Nick Prowting
Christopher Golden    

Citigroup Global Markets Limited (Joint Broker)
+44 (0) 20 7986 4000
Christopher Wren
Peter Catterall

Headland Consultancy 
+ 44 (0) 20 38054822
Andy Rivett-Carnac: +44 (0) 7968 997 365
Chloe Francklin: +44 (0) 7834 974 624

ABOUT IQE

http://iqep.com

IQE is the leading global supplier of advanced semiconductor wafers that enable a diverse range of applications. IQE uses advanced crystal growth technology (epitaxy) to manufacture and supply bespoke semiconductor wafers 'epi-wafers' to the major chip manufacturing companies, who then use these wafers to make the chips.


IQE's products are found in many leading-edge consumer, communication, computing and industrial applications, including a complete range of wafer products for the wireless industry, such as smartphones and wireless infrastructure, Wi-Fi, base stations, and satellite communications; optical communications, optical storage, printing, thermal imagers, leading-edge medical technologies, automotive and aerospace technologies, a variety of advanced silicon based systems and high efficiency concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) solar cells.

IQE is headquartered in Cardiff UK and operates manufacturing and R&D facilities worldwide.