ASML announced: In 2024, the DUV lithography machine will be stable.
ASML Accumulation! In 2024, stabilize** DUV lithography machine!
As we all know, 2024 has just begun, and ASML has already announced the cancellation of licenses for two NXT lithography machines, the 2050 i and NXT: this is a measure according to ASML"will have an impact on a small number of users"。
They immediately realized that these two cutting-edge lithography equipment are absolutely not available in Chinese mainland, which will have a certain impact on the development of high-end technology in Chinese mainland.
In light of the restrictions enacted by the United States, namely the ban on extreme ultraviolet lithography in 2019 and advanced deep ultraviolet lithography in 2023, this measure is specifically aimed at China.
According to industry experts, it is theoretically possible to create a chip with a 5nm process using 193nm deep ultraviolet lithography (which produces a 134nm refractive index in water) and using multiplex** and other methods to fabricate chips with a 7nm process.
China's official lithography technology is still at 90 nanometers, while China has reached more than 7 nanometers, so the application of deep ultraviolet lithography technology is particularly important.
But in principle, if ASML remains centralized in 2023, we can be sure that in 2024, that is, in three to five years, we will not abandon it completely.
First, thanks to ASML's work and the goodwill of all parties, the license that was scheduled to be canceled on September 1, 2023 has now been extended by 25%.
Second, only the NXT:2050 I and NXT:2100 I have been discontinued, and ASML currently has the NXT:2000 DI in addition to the NXT:1980 i, with a total of four DUV immersion lithography machines in operation.
The ** below shows that all four machines have the same resolution, in addition to storage capacity, so they can all achieve a 7nm process and theoretically a 5nm process as well.
Thirdly, in 2023, ASML will be the focus of attention as it will be before the ban is imposed"Accelerate"Its lithography process to meet the needs of Chinese consumers.
In 2022, China purchased about 100 sets of lithography equipment from the American company ASML, with a total value of about 12 billion yuan.
Between January and November 2023, China purchased more than 200 lithography equipment from ASML. China imported more than 200 pieces of equipment from ASML with a total value of more than 50 billion yuan, a three-fold increase over the same period last year.
ASML also said that in 2023, it will not be able to fulfill all orders from China, and now that ASML has shifted most of its lithographic production to Chinese customers, does it need more orders?
You know, there is a global shortage of raw materials for lithography, and major manufacturers are waiting to buy it, and ASML is no exception, and it is not easy to meet the needs of Chinese users.
So, thanks to ASML's work, we can be confident that the DUV immersion lithography machine will not run out in 2024, and this is because we have purchased multiple deep UV immersion lithography machines in the past year and are still selling DUV immersion lithography equipment that will continue to be used for several years without any worries.
In addition, from the point of view of wafer development, the wafer's"Craft"Nor is it unlimited. Theoretically, 28nm technology can no longer increase the linewidth, and 5nm does not mean that the minimum linewidth has reached 5nm, just that improvements in architecture and process can be achieved"Same energy efficiency as 5nm"。5nm does not mean that the minimum linewidth is less than 5nm, but simply that architectural and process improvements are achievable"Same energy efficiency as 5nm"。5 nm does not mean that the minimum linewidth is less than 5 nm, but simply that architectural and process improvements are achievable"Same energy efficiency as 5 nm"。
As we continue to improve the design, architecture, and packaging of our devices, we are well positioned to achieve sub-3nm processes with deep UV lithography, so there's no rush.
In addition, with the advancement of science and technology, in addition to lithography, there are also nanoprinting, electron beam lithography, digital subtraction, etc., which are the most advanced technologies in the world, and perhaps this ban will make China choose another path.