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A single machine weighing 71 tonnes and costing between $180 and $380 million each, is reshaping the global semiconductor industry. ASML’s extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems have become the linchpin of advanced chip manufacturing, enabling the creation of processors with billions of transistors on a fingernail-sized piece of silicon.
ASML, a Dutch company, holds a monopoly on EUV technology. Only a handful of companies worldwide possess these machines, including TSMC, Samsung, and Intel. Now, Japan’s Rapidus has joined this exclusive club, marking the country’s resurgence in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
The importance of EUV lithography cannot be overstated. It allows chipmakers to create circuits with features as small as 2 nanometers, pushing the boundaries of Moore’s Law. This translates to more powerful smartphones, faster computers, and more efficient data centers that power AI and cloud computing.
ASML’s dominance in this field is staggering. The company controls 90% of the lithography tools market and is the sole provider of EUV systems. This position has made ASML a critical player in the global tech ecosystem and a focal point of geopolitical tensions.
Japan Leaps Forward in Chip Technology with ASML’s EUV Installation
The semiconductor industry’s future hinges on ASML’s innovations. The company is already working on next-generation high-NA EUV machines, which promise even finer circuit patterns. These advancements will be crucial for developing technologies like quantum computing and advanced AI systems.
However, ASML faces challenges. Geopolitical restrictions limit its ability to sell to Chinese customers, while the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry affects demand. Despite these hurdles, the company’s long-term outlook remains strong, driven by the insatiable global appetite for advanced chips.
For investors, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts, understanding ASML’s role is key to grasping the future of technology. As our world becomes increasingly digital, the company’s EUV machines will continue to be the invisible force driving innovation across industries.