Line of industrial computer systems and communication networks

Semiconductor & Datacom

Semiconductor and datacom technologies power our connected world. In the age of AI, they’re reshaping industries like never before – driving advancements in AR/VR, consumer electronics, healthcare, mobility, and cutting-edge research.

Unlock the future with specialty materials

As technology advances, Moore's Law approaches its limits. Overcoming these barriers demands a breakthrough – and that’s where SCHOTT excels. A pioneer in specialty materials, SCHOTT enables leading semiconductors and datacom companies to tackle the industry’s toughest challenges.

    Trends and challenges

    Person holding with both hands a chip
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    Trend 1: More than Moore

    In 1965, Gordon Moore observed that circuit density on a chip doubles every two years. Today, as chips near the atomic scale, further miniaturization is reaching its physical limits. But material science is redefining advanced packaging. Next-generation glass core substrates offer a breakthrough in chip performance – delivering up to 40% more speed and unlocking new possibilities for the future of semiconductor devices.
    Learn more
    Illustration of a blue computer chip in the centre of a circuit board
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    Trend 2: Energy-efficient chips for the future

    Did you know that a single AI interaction – like a ChatGPT query – can consume as much energy as powering a 10W light bulb for 18 minutes? AI applications rely on specialized chips that process massive amounts of data at incredible speeds and require a lot of energy to do so. Glass-based substrate technology can revolutionize semiconductor efficiency, boosting performance while reducing energy consumption. This can help make AI and high-performance computing more sustainable for the future.
    Man working at a machine
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    Trend 3: Precision beyond imagination

    In pursuit of ultimate precision, the semiconductor industry continues to pack more transistors into increasingly smaller chips. Advanced lithography machines now utilize ultra-short wavelengths of light to etch features 10,000 times finer than a human hair. This level of precision is made possible by SCHOTT’s specialty materials. Our glass ceramics, optical glass, and flexible light guides provide essential properties – such as the near-zero thermal expansion of ZERODUR® – to enable the next generation of semiconductor technology.

    Transforming semiconductors with specialty materials

    SCHOTT contribution to advanced semicon packaging and front-end semiconductor manufacturing process

    At SCHOTT, our passion for innovation pushes the boundaries of technology. With world-class R&D expertise and an unmatched portfolio of specialty materials drive, we drive groundbreaking developments that transform industries and improve lives.

    As a trusted partner, we provide industry leaders with the highest-quality materials and deep technical expertise – turning challenges into solutions. Together, we are shaping the future of technology.

    Specialty materials: the catalyst for boundless innovation

    From large panels for multi-chip integration to thin interposers with ultra-high TGV density near the die, SCHOTT empowers the semiconductor and datacom industries with a comprehensive range of specialty glass and materials. As trusted glass experts, we enable rapid advancements in cutting-edge technologies to unleash the future of high-performance.

    Circuit board with a range of microchips

    Advanced IC-packaging and integration

    • Integration: Glass in advanced packaging—from large panels for multi-chip integration to thin interposers with ultra-high TGV density near the die.
    • Glass Carrier: Wafer and panels for IC manufacturing and advanced packaging. (Carrier Wafer ADP)
    • Interposer: Thin glass substrates close to the chip with an extremely high TGV density. (Substrates and Wafers)
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    Illustration of light being focused on a component in lithography process

    Lithography

    • Display lithography: Glass in technologies for the production of displays
    • IC lithography: Glass for applications in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs)
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    Microscopic pressure sensor for MEMS package

    Sensors

    • Pressure sensors: Glass in pressure monitoring of semiconductor process.
    • Actuators: Glass in enabling long-term precision of piezoelectric actuators.
    • Gas sensors: Glass in environmental monitoring and safety applications.
    • Temperature sensors: Glass for fiber optic temperature sensing.
    • Positioning sensors: Fiber optic light guides for interferometric measurements
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    Series of blue and yellow wires going into a network device

    Optoelectronics

    • Laser components: Glass for applications in data-communication and sensor technology
    • Photodetectors: Glass for sensors for light detection
    • LEDs: Glass in lighting and display technologies
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    Two scientists working in a laboratory looking at mirror discs

    MEMS

    • MEMS packaging: Glass solutions for the encapsulation of MEMS components
    • MEMS mirrors: Glass in optical systems and scanners
    • Pressure sensors: Glass for pressure sensors in automotive and medical technology
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      Illustration of a high power electronics system with interconnecting lines

      Power electronics

      • Power Modules: Glass in integrated modules for power electronics
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      Series of high performance communication antennas on a mast

      High-frequency technology

      • RF Filters: Glass for high frequency filters in telecommunication applications
      • Antennas: Glass in wireless communication systems
      • Radar Components: Glass in automotive and aerospace applications
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      Versatile specialty glass for advanced applications

      Specialty glass is a remarkably versatile material that plays a vital role in high-tech industries. At SCHOTT, our materials range from ultra-thin and ultra-flexible to ultra-tough glass, designed to meet the demands of cutting-edge applications.

      As a pioneer in specialty materials, we offer an extensive portfolio of materials and advanced processing capabilities – catering specifically to the semiconductor and datacom sectors.

      Substrates, wafers and panels

      Substrates and wafers for semiconductor production.

      • Carrier wafer and carrier panel
      • Glass panels for glass core substrate
      • Substrates and Wafer
      • Silicon wafers: glass for silicon wafers
      • SOI wafers (Silicon on Insulator): Glass for high performance electronics
      • Through-Glass Via (TGV) wafers: glass for microelectronics and 3D integration

      Two glass panels with 3D colored graph

      Glass optical fibers

      Fiber optic solutions for optical sensing and metrology

      Flansch - Flange - Semiconductor - Vacuum

      Quartz glass base materials

      High-purity quartz is a key material in semiconductor manufacturing, especially used throughout the front-end process. SCHOTT supplies quartz base materials ranging from standard purity to ultra-high purity and near net shape, customized to meet the requirements of advanced processes.

      Near-net-shape materials for quartz components manufacturing:

      • Focus / edge rings for plasma etch equipment

      • Flanges / liners in epitaxy equipment

      • Flanges in diffusion equipment

      More about Ilmasil™ Quartz Glass
      Quartzglass Overview

      SCHOTT: excellence in glass and beyond

        Pioneer in specialty materials

        SCHOTT has been at the forefront of innovative materials for over 140 years, making it a trusted leader in the field.

        Strong partnership

        SCHOTT is more than just a supplier – our experts collaborate closely with customers to make their product successful.

        Diverse portfolio

        With a wide range of glass types and properties, SCHOTT provides customized solutions that perfectly match our customers' needs.

        Strong expertise

        Reputation stems from its deep expertise, advanced R&D capabilities, and a relentless pursuit of innovation in specialty materials.

        Through the media lens

        Sunday, December 1, 2024
        The WIRED Big Interview

        Manufacturing Next-Gen Microchips in the Age of AI

        At the WIRED’s The Big Interview, industry leaders convened to exchange insights on how AI is affecting the world’s semiconductor industry, and how specialty glass can help tackle today’s biggest semiconductor challenges.
        Explore key takeaways from our expert’s conversation
        Thursday, June 27, 2024
        R&D 100

        SCHOTT TO PLUS headers are the R&D 100 winner of the day

        The prestigious R&D 100 Award recognizes innovations that truly make a difference. In 2024, SCHOTT TO PLUS headers received this honor for “delivering twice as much data over a single fiber than existing technology while being more economical”.
        Discover more about this award-winning innovation
        Thursday, December 19, 2024
        ZEIT ONLINE

        Schott acquires the quartz glass division from Qsil.

        Beyond specialty glass, SCHOTT strategically expanded its footprint with the acquisition of QSIL GmbH Quarzschmelze Ilmenau in Germany. Their unique expertise and specialized quartz glass capabilities will complement SCHOTT’s diverse and high-tech product portfolio.
        Explore more (in German)