A few years ago dilute nitrides were going to be the next 'big thing' and were considered vital for the long wavelength fibre networks. However, despite much technical progress and innovation, success has not been as rapid as had earlier been expected. Emitters such as lasers still looked likely to be the most important application for this materials family. But recent news shows that it will not be restricted to opto. The dilute nitrides also have great potential for microelectronics. The pressure is soon going to be on the front-end manufacturers to provide high performance materials and devices of the right kind and in the right quantity, but most of all at the right price. Industry downturns do not last forever. When the market resumes its inevitable upward direction price sensitivity will be foremost.
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