How to Choose the Right Silicon Wafer

When selecting a silicon wafer, several key factors must be considered to ensure it meets the requirements of your application. The wafer diameter, which ranges from 25.4mm to 450mm, should match the scale and type of processing involved. The silicon type—P-type, N-type, or undoped—determines its electrical characteristics, while crystal orientation (such as (100), (111), or (110)) affects how devices interact with the material. Surface finish options, including polished, etched, lapped, or as-cut, influence the wafer's readiness for further processing. Additionally, the wafer grade—prime, test, or mechanical—reflects its quality and suitability for research or production use. UniversityWafer provides expert guidance and a wide selection of silicon wafers to accommodate both small-scale experiments and large-scale manufacturing needs.