Silicon wafers are thin, flat discs made from pure silicon, a key material in the electronics industry. They serve as the substrate for fabricating integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices. The wafers are produced through a process called crystal growth, where silicon is melted and then cooled to form a solid crystal, which is sliced into thin sheets. These wafers are essential for modern technology, as they enable the production of microchips found in devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets. The size and quality of silicon wafers directly impact the performance and efficiency of the electronic components manufactured from them.