Gallium arsenide

Gallium arsenide (CAS 1303-00-0) is a III-V compound semiconductor formed from gallium and arsenic.

Where is Gallium arsenide used?

• Electronics: high-frequency devices such as microwave integrated circuits, field-effect transistors and high-speed logic components
• Telecommunications and radar: substrate material for devices operating beyond silicon frequency limits
• Photovoltaics: single-junction and multi-junction solar cells for concentrator systems and space-grade power generation
• Aerospace and defence: satellite communications, electronic warfare systems and high-power amplifiers
• GaAs-based monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) are a standard component in modern defence-grade RF electronics.

Good to know: Classified as Danger under GHS labelling; presents acute toxicity and environmental hazard concerns due to arsenic content, requiring handling under occupational exposure regulations and waste disposal directives. Does not fall within USP, Ph. Eur. or food-grade frameworks; quality parameters are governed by semiconductor industry standards and customer-defined specifications.

Commercial specifications

• Polycrystalline and single-crystal forms; single-crystal wafers are the primary format for device fabrication
• Graded by purity level, crystal orientation, doping specifications and surface finish
• Electronic-grade material with defined carrier concentration and resistivity profiles
• Customers requiring orientations such as (100) or (111) should indicate this at the time of enquiry