GT Advanced Technologies Inc fka GTAT

[Netsurfer]

The wafering process is a lot like wafering for silicon solar cells. Multiple parallel wires cut the boule into wafers like slicing bread. There is a lot of kerf waste and secondary processing required to get the correct polish and cutting the holes for the start button and camera is a big challenge.
Hyperion could be used to "exfoliate" very thin layers of sapphire from a boule to make a laminated window. There is a much greater yield although some polishing is still reqd.
I do not think that Hyperion can penetrate deep enough to get the same thickness as a wire saw wafer. Search "Twin Creek' as that was the name of the company that GT bought.......out of bankruptcy I believe. Development is / was taking place in Danvers, MA.