CST Global’s sales of lasers into PON and GPON markets exceed 25 million

III-V optoelectronic foundry Compound Semiconductor Technologies Global Ltd (CST Global, a subsidiary of Sweden-based Sivers IMA Holding AB) of Hamilton International Technology Park, Blantyre, near Glasgow, Scotland, UK says that its indium phosphide (InP) laser sales have exceeded 25 million and that its sales of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers into Chinese and Indian GPON (Gigabit passive optical network) markets are approaching 2 million.

“Achieving 25m InP lasers sold into PON markets, announced in the CST Global share issue earlier this year, and almost 2m DFB lasers sold into Chinese and Indian GPON markets, is a significant milestone for CST Global,” says CEO Neil Martin. “It shows that PON and GPON markets are growing worldwide and that GPON sales into developing markets offer massive potential,” he adds. “We identified the potential and, in the last year alone, have invested in the staff, machinery and processes necessary to meet this growth.”

CST Global is now qualified to process 4” wafers. “We invested in a new MOCVD [metal-organic chemical vapor deposition] capability and an automatic bar stacker machine for 4” wafers, increasing our volume capability by 50%,” notes Martin. “The automatic bar stacker also increases yield, by reducing human error and making the process auditable, repeatable and totally consistent.” The firm also introduced a new automatic visual inspection machine, trebling laser throughput and increasing test accuracy (boosting capacity from 10,000 to 30,000 lasers per shift).

“The appointment of Gary Palmer, VP operations, has seen improvements to foundry services, from epitaxial growth and fabrication, through to assembly and packaging,” comments Martin. “The appointment of Euan Livingston, VP sales & marketing, has allowed us to identify and engage with the right customers, in key markets around the world, alongside a consistent promotion and communications strategy,” he adds.

“We also now operate in an ISO 9001:2015 quality environment. Not only has this helped streamline production, but the accreditation itself allows us to supply market-leading companies in the data-center, cloud and telecommunications markets, who expect this level of quality control,” Martin concludes.