Monocrystal, a Russia-based manufacturer of electronic materials for LED and solar industries, has shipped its 8-inch C-plane epi-ready sapphire substrates to leading LED manufacturers. “It took leading LED manufacturers three years after the 6-inch sapphire substrates first became available on the market to launch R&D on their use for LED production. The period was shorter for the 8-inch substrates – Monocrystal was the first to introduce and ship them to a MOCVD system manufacturer in 2008, and approximately two years later, we have supplied our premium 8-inch C-plane epi-ready sapphire substrates for the R&D use at the forefront of LED manufacturing,” said Oleg Kachalov, CEO of Monocrystal. “The market dynamics in the LED space indicate a further shift toward the use of the larger diameter substrates, as well as the growing role of the suppliers, capable of meeting the high technology standards of the today's LED market.” “Monocrystal has been supplying 8-inch sapphire substrates for the R&D on RFIC applications for the last two years, and we have gained considerable experience in large diameter sapphire substrates production. We are glad to be able now to support also our LED customers in making a technological breakthrough which will help bring forth the widespread use of the LED lighting,” said Mikhail Berest, VP of sales and marketing at Monocrystal. For more information, visit: www.monocrystal.com