Companies have eyed silicon carbide for its potential use in a wide range of electronic and optoelectronic devices. Now American Xtal Technology Inc. in Fremont, Calif., has announced it has grown its first silicon carbide crystals, which could pave the way for further developments in blue light-emitting diodes and blue lasers.

The breakdown field for silicon carbide is more than 20 times higher than for silicon, a characteristic that enables it to effectively conduct heat. This makes the material attractive for use in very high voltage devices used in the power generation and broadcasting industries.