What is the Dielectric Behavior of Substrates?

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What Wafers Do I Use for Researching Dielectric Behaviour?

A university materials scientist requested a substrate for academic research dielectric behaviour of Gallium Arsenide wafers (GaAs).

I would like to obtain a gallium arsenide wafer with diameter preferably around 4 inches (though other sizes are acceptable) for use in academic research in materials science in this university. Would it be possible for you to send me a sample piece? The specifications are very flexible.

Please reference #270690 for specs/pricing.

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What is Silicon's Dielectric Constant?

Silicon's dielectric constant is about 11.7, but differs depending on the type of silicon and the fabrication process used to make it. The dielectric constant of silicon is an important parameter when designing semiconductor devices, because it influences both capacitance and the signal propagation within a device.

A large semiconductor company requested the following:

Please quote your lowest price for the following:
Silicon wafer with copper coating specs as below,

Quantity: Minimum Order Quantity

4” silicon wafer, with the below Specs

  • Copper Coated Silicon Wafer (Single Side coating)
  • Wafer Thickness- 0.4mm and 0.8 mm
  • Copper coating thickness- 35 micron (or whatever is available readily in stock)
  • Silicon Dielectric Constant- 11.9
  • Lossless substrate

Reference #236843 for specs and pricing.

Researching Dielectric Behavior of Gallium Arsenide Wafers

A PhD candidate requested a quote for the following.

I'm researching the dielectric behavior of Gallium Arsenide wafers. I would like to obtain a gallium arsenide wafer with diameter preferably around 4 inches (though other sizes are acceptable) for use in academic research in materials science in this university. Would it be possible for you to send me a sample piece? The specifications are very flexible.

My specs are very flexible. The requirements are below.

GaAs wafer
Doped, any dopant, n or p
Low resistivity (the lower, the better)
Diameter at least 3 inches, preferably 4 inches.

UniversityWafer, Inc. Quoted:

Wafers in
Stock		 Material Orient. Diam. Thck
(μm)		 Surf. Resistivity
Ωcm		 Nc
a/cm3		 Mobility
cm2/Vs		 Comment
5 n-type:Si [100] 3" 370 P/E 0.00152-0.00339 (7.06-23.3)E17 1,760-2,610 US Flats; Epi Ready
4 n-type:Si [100] 3" 500 P/P 0.00152-0.00339 (7.01-18.4)E17 <2,380 US Flats; Epi Ready

Reference #270690 for specs and pricing.

Diagram showing dielectric behavior under electric field with atomic dipole polarization in a material

Why is Dielectric Behavior important?

Dielectric behavior is important because it underpins how materials respond to electric fields, making it fundamental to modern electronics, energy storage, and sensor technologies. Here's why it matters:

🔌 1. Insulation in Electronics

Dielectrics are excellent electrical insulators, preventing current from leaking between components. Materials like silicon dioxide are used in:

  • MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors)

  • Capacitors

  • Printed circuit boards (PCBs)

⚡ 2. Energy Storage in Capacitors

In capacitors, the dielectric material increases capacitance by allowing electric field polarization without conduction. This:

  • Increases stored energy per unit volume

  • Allows miniaturization of components

📡 3. High-Frequency and Microwave Applications

Dielectric materials with low loss and stable permittivity are essential in:

  • RFID

  • Microwave substrates

  • Antenna design

🔍 4. Material Characterization

Dielectric behavior is used to:

  • Study phase transitions (e.g., ferroelectric to paraelectric)

  • Evaluate purity and crystalline structure

  • Understand polarization mechanisms (electronic, ionic, dipolar)

🧪 5. Semiconductor Applications

In high-resistivity silicon (HR-Si) and dielectric isolation wafers:

  • Dielectrics allow device isolation

  • Enable SOI (Silicon-on-Insulator) technologies

  • Reduce parasitic capacitance in ICs

🔋 6. Modern Devices

Used in:

  • Memory devices (DRAM, FeRAM)

  • Dielectric elastomers (actuators/sensors)

  • Advanced photonics

Summary:

Dielectric behavior enables safe insulation, efficient energy storage, and precise electronic control, forming the backbone of microelectronics, communications, and energy systems.