Severe shortages driven by the AI optical communications boom push the cost of indium phosphide (InP) substrates and epi-wafers higher by more than 10% in the fourth quarter. The hike represents the largest price increase in the history of these components, according to media reports.

InP substrate prices have risen for three consecutive quarters and are heading into a fourth, while epi-wafers enter their third consecutive increase. One supplier stated that inventory is so constrained that cash payments may not secure orders. The materials are essential for high frequency data transmission as AI data centers shift from copper to optical interconnects.

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Key sources

  1. SOURCE@dnystedt“AI data centers shift from copper to optical interconnects (optics in, copper out.)”x.com
  2. SUPPORT@julientechinvst“upstream IPP substrate suppliers are constrained by policies and production capacity”x.com
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