Arima Decides to Shift to AlGalnP Infrared LED Chips from Nitride Blue LEDs

Taiwan: LED epitaxial wafer and chip maker Arima Optoelectronics Corp. (AOC) of Taoyuan, Taiwan has ceased the production of nitride-based blue LED chips and shifted their production to AlGalnP LEDs. Arima has shut down around 40 MOCVD systems that were used to produce blue LED epiwafers and chips, while 18 has been transferred to produce AlGalnP LED wafers and chips.

Arima is now focusing on infrared (IR)-emitting AlGaInP chips for applications such as iris recognition, automotive dashboards, brake lamps and direction indicators, plant-growth lighting, LED lighting and security surveillance. The firm has developed IR LED chips with emission wavelengths of 810nm, 850nm and 940nm.

TechSci Research depicts that Infrared LED market is currently in its developmental phase and there are few manufacturers of AlGalnP LED chips due to the high technological entry barrier, so there is less competition in terms of prices. Arima has increased their focus on research and development and innovation of new Infrared LED products in order to establish itself as a strong player in this market with a global presence.

According to a recently published report by Techsci Research, “Global Infrared LED Market By Application (Imaging, Lighting, Surveillance, Automotive & Others), By Region (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2010 – 2020’’, the global infrared LED market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 9% during 2015-2020. Major factors propelling growth in the global infrared LED market include rising use of infrared LEDs in smartphones for iris recognition, and increasing use of these LEDs in CCTVs and surveillance systems. Asia-Pacific is the largest regional market for infrared LEDs in the world, due to the increasing penetration of these LEDs in smartphones, automotive, surveillance systems and other segments. Epistar Corporation, Nichia Corporation, Everlight Electronics, High Power Lighting, etc. are among the major Infrared LED companies involved in manufacturing infrared LEDs for various end user applications.