Gallium arsenide

Gallium arsenide (CAS 1303-00-0) is a III-V compound semiconductor formed from gallium and arsenic. It is widely recognised for its superior electron mobility and direct bandgap properties compared to silicon, making it a foundational material in high-performance electronic and optoelectronic applications. SoleChem supplies gallium arsenide to qualified industrial customers across Europe, with consistent material quality and reliable batch availability. In the electronics sector, gallium arsenide is used in the manufacture of high-frequency devices including microwave integrated circuits, field-effect transistors, and high-speed logic components. Its high electron mobility enables performance at frequencies well beyond the practical limits of conventional silicon-based devices, making it a preferred substrate material in telecommunications hardware and radar systems.

Within the solar photovoltaic industry, gallium arsenide is valued for its high theoretical solar conversion efficiency. Single-junction and multi-junction solar cells based on GaAs technology are used in concentrator photovoltaic systems and space-grade power generation applications, where weight-to-power ratio and long-term radiation resistance are critical design parameters. The aerospace and defence sectors represent a significant end-use segment for gallium arsenide. The material is employed in satellite communications, electronic warfare systems, and high-power amplifiers where thermal stability and frequency performance under demanding operational conditions are required. GaAs-based monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) are a standard component in modern defence-grade RF electronics.

Gallium arsenide is typically available in polycrystalline and single-crystal forms, with single-crystal wafers being the primary format for device fabrication. Material is graded according to purity level, crystal orientation, doping specifications, and surface finish. Electronic-grade material with defined carrier concentration and resistivity profiles is available for wafer processing applications. Customers requiring specific orientations such as (100) or (111) should indicate this at the time of enquiry. As gallium arsenide does not fall within the scope of USP, Ph. Eur., or food-grade frameworks, quality parameters are governed by semiconductor industry standards and customer-defined specifications. SoleChem works with suppliers operating under ISO-certified quality management systems to ensure consistent material characterisation and traceability documentation.

Gallium arsenide is classified as Danger under GHS labelling requirements. The material presents acute toxicity and environmental hazard concerns associated with its arsenic content, and must be handled in accordance with applicable occupational exposure regulations and waste disposal directives. Full safety data sheets are provided with every order. SoleChem supplies gallium arsenide in standard packaging formats suitable for research quantities through to larger industrial volumes. Enquiries regarding specific grades, minimum order quantities, or documentation requirements are handled directly through our technical sales team.