SEIREN KST CORPORATION
The Journey of Silicon Wafers from R&D to Mass Production

Established through the strategic acquisition of KST World Corporation by SEIREN in 2019, SEIREN KST has emerged as an indispensable contributor to the global semiconductor supply chain. Headquartered in Fukui Prefecture, with a sales office in Tokyo, the firm provides high-quality silicon wafers and thin films, essential components for chip manufacturing processes and various optical applications.

“We guarantee excellence, reliability, and precision in every wafer, empowering top device manufacturers to pioneer modern, high-performance technologies,” asserts Yojiro Kamei, president and CEO of SEIREN KST.

The company has a diverse product portfolio tailored to meet research and development (R&D) and mass production needs, featuring films ranging from four to twelve inches. Among its flagship products are thick thermal oxide, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and silicon carbide (SiC) ingot/wafers.

The SiC wafers are crucial for applications requiring high breakdown voltages, especially in electric vehicle (EV) powertrains where reliability and performance are paramount. SEIREN KST has also established a supply chain for these SiC with industry leaders.

SiO2-based films, on the other hand, have a wide range of applications in the silicon photonics market, particularly for creating the underclad layer of silicon photonics devices. These films remain remarkably particle-free and stress-free up to 25 μm, serving as ideal base wafers for various devices.

SEIREN KST's expertise further extends to its SOI, which are ideal for high-tech applications like LiDAR systems, pressure sensors, MEMS mirrors, and gyroscopes. Renowned for their versatility, these components are preferred by companies to meet diverse technological requirements.

A key differentiator for SEIREN KST is its ability to meet specific customer specifications. The company caters to academic markets and startups, accepting orders of small quantities with varied requirements. This flexibility fosters long-term relationships, with clients frequently returning for mass production orders. It also prioritizes quick turnaround times, adapting to the fast-paced development cycles of its customers, ensuring SEIREN KST remains a trusted partner in the semiconductor industry.

One notable success story involves a Japanese communication company facing issues with optical fiber communication devices due to the limitations of the existing oxide films. SEIREN KST's particle-free and stress-free thick thermal oxide films proved vital, allowing the client to achieve large-scale production for the first time while considerably improving product quality and market share.

Today, SEIREN KST holds over 50 percent of the market share in this sector. It stands on the trajectory of expansion and innovation, with a five-year project underway to acquire new fabrication facilities and invest in high-quality equipment like grinding machines. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for its thick thermal oxide films and SOI wafers. The firm is also exploring new materials, such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon oxide on SiC, to diversify its offerings and stay ahead of technological advancements.

Geographically, SEIREN KST is focused on expanding its market presence overseas, as one-third of its current revenue comes from international clients. To achieve further growth in this aspect, the company actively participates in global exhibitions and seeks partnerships to enhance its distribution network and revenue streams, ensuring it remains competitive and continues to expand its global footprint.

SEIREN KST's dedication to quality, cost-effectiveness, delivery, and technological advancement positions it as a leader in the semiconductor industry. The company continuously invests in research and development to innovate and enhance its product offerings. As SEIREN KST progresses, its focus on supporting the semiconductor supply chain with advanced solutions remains steadfast, ensuring its continued prominence within the industry and its capability to thrive in the years ahead.