Fremont-based AXT, Inc. has become a crucial player in the semiconductor substrate market, offering a wide range of products across various emerging industries. From data center connectivity and solar energy applications to robotics and autonomous vehicles, the company's proprietary vertical gradient freeze technology has helped to cement its position as a major player in the space. Its product offerings include indium phosphide for light/laser-based applications, semi-insulating gallium arsenide (GaAs) and semi-conducting GaAs substrates for Wi-Fi and IoT devices, as well as germanium substrates for use in multi-junction solar cells. In addition, AXT provides purified gallium, boron trioxide, and pBN insulating parts. The company sells its products through direct sales forces and distributors across the U.S., China, and Europe. AXT was founded in 1986 and underwent a name change from American Xtal Technology, Inc. in July 2000.