IQE's Wafer Technology division launches new 4&...

Milton Keynes, UK. February 2010:IQE plc (AIM: IQE, "IQE" or the "Group"), the
leading global supplier of advanced semiconductor wafer products and wafer
services to the semiconductor industry, is pleased to announce that its UK based
wafer operation, Wafer Technology Ltd., is to extend its gallium antimonide
(GaSb) product range to include 4" diameter wafers.

GaSb materials are used in the manufacture of a wide range of products including
infrared laser diodes, detectors and thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells that can
convert infrared (heat) energy into electrical power.

4" GaSb-Te wafers are now available and can be specified in the same way as for
existing 2" and 3" GaSb products. High accuracy orientations (+/-0.1 deg.) and
proprietary epitaxy ready finishes are offered to ensure consistent performance
in epitaxial growth.  Whole 4" wafer etch pit density (EPD) maps (69 points) are
supplied to support yield maximisation in the manufacture of large area detector
arrays.

The new product offering will be produced at the Group's Wafer Technology
facility in Milton Keynes, UK.

Dr. Mark J. Furlong, General Manager at Wafer Technology, commented:

"Delivering 4" GaSb product is an important milestone for Wafer Technology,
especially at a time when the industry is looking to produce larger area
epitaxially grown arrays.

"Our 4" GaSb wafers have been very well received by our first customers
qualifying this product, so we are looking forward to satisfying new demands for
large area GaSb wafers in 2010."




Contacts:


IQE plc ([phone])
Chris Meadows

Wafer Technology Limited (+ 44 1908 210 444)
Dr Mark Furlong





About IQE

IQE is the leading global supplier of advanced semiconductor wafers with
products that cover a diverse range of applications, supported by an innovative
outsourced foundry services portfolio that allows the Group to provide a 'one
stop shop' for the wafer needs of the world's leading semiconductor
manufacturers.

IQE uses advanced crystal growth technology (epitaxy) to manufacture and supply
bespoke semiconductor wafers ('epi-wafers') to the major chip manufacturing
companies, who then use these wafers to make the chips which form the key
components of virtually all high technology systems. IQE is unique in being able
to supply wafers using all of the leading crystal growth technology platforms.

IQE operates six manufacturing facilities located in Cardiff (two) and Milton
Keynes in the UK; in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Somerset, New Jersey in the
USA; and Singapore. The Group also has 11 sales offices located in major
economic centres worldwide.


About Wafer Technology Ltd

Wafer Technology Ltd is a U.K. based producer of III-V materials and epi-ready
substrates. Founded in 1957, the company has a long and well established history
in the manufacture of III-V materials and offers the widest product range in the
business.

Wafer Technology is a wholly owned subsidiary of IQE plc, the world's leading
MOCVD and MBE epitaxial wafer foundry. Close relationships with all Group member
companies supports Wafer Technology's thorough understanding of the latest
material and device market trends which in turn are utilised by the company to
develop new product types.

Wafer Technology's unrivalled choice of material types and forms enables it to
support almost any customer application.




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