NewsUnverified
Asahi Kasei to exit UVC LED business while maintaining AlN substrate research
Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Asahi Kasei is terminating its UVC LED business based on Aluminum Nitride (AlN) substrates. While the specific LED device business is ending, the company intends to continue its research and development efforts regarding the AlN substrate material itself.
Context
On March 26, 2026, Japanese industrial giant Asahi Kasei announced it will officially discontinue the production of UVC LED devices, a business previously managed through its U.S. subsidiary Crystal IS. This exit marks a strategic shift away from finished disinfection components, such as the Klaran product line, which were historically used for water and air sterilization. The decision follows a period of intense competition in the ultraviolet LED market and a realignment of the company’s material sector portfolio.
Despite the withdrawal from LED manufacturing, Asahi Kasei will accelerate the development of its Aluminum Nitride (AlN) substrates. These single-crystal substrates are critical for next-generation power electronics and RF components due to their ultra-wide bandgap and high thermal conductivity. Having achieved a milestone of 100 mm (4-inch) diameter AlN substrates with 99% usable area in 2024, the company aims to supply these high-performance materials to the 5G/6G and semiconductor industries where demand for efficient heat dissipation and high-voltage tolerance is rapidly expanding.
Sources (7)
Asahi Kasei Discontinues UVC LED Device Production ...News - Press Releases - Asahi Kasei EuropeOXIDE Exits Israeli Subsidiary Raicol Crystals, Books ¥1.7 Billion ...Home - Crystal ISPowering the Next Semiconductor Leap with AIN Single Crystal ...Aluminum Nitride Substrates Market Technology Adoption, AI ...Aluminum nitride transistor advances next-gen RF electronics
Related Companies
3
Asahi Kasei
3407