China's Lithography Dream: The Difficult Journey to Conquer the "Mount Everest" of Technology

China's Lithography Dream: The Difficult Journey to Conquer the "Mount Everest" of TechnologyWhy are high-end lithography machines so crucial?What makes manufacturing high-end lithography machines so challenging?The optical system is another challenge. Ordinary lenses cannot focus EUV light, so reflective mirrors are needed

China's Lithography Dream: The Difficult Journey to Conquer the "Mount Everest" of Technology

China has made significant strides in many high-tech fields, but one area where we struggle to break through is high-end lithography machines. These machines, held by a select few countries, are more important and complex than most people realize. They are like the "Mount Everest" of technology, standing tall on the path of technological advancement, hindering our progress.

Why are high-end lithography machines so crucial?

High-end lithography machines are the cornerstone of modern technology, determining the precision and scale of chip manufacturing. Chips are widely used in smartphones, computers, cars, medical devices, military equipment, and various other fields. They are like the central nervous system of technological development, controlling all aspects of modern society.

What makes manufacturing high-end lithography machines so challenging?

Manufacturing high-end lithography machines requires a range of cutting-edge technologies and meticulous processes. The most crucial technology is extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology. EUV light has an incredibly short wavelength, only 13.5 nanometers, far smaller than one ten-thousandth the width of a human hair. To generate this light, a tiny droplet of molten tin is irradiated with a high-energy laser, instantaneously producing EUV light. This process is extremely difficult, requiring tens of thousands of pulses per second with incredible precision. Any deviation will lead to unstable light sources.

The optical system is another challenge. Ordinary lenses cannot focus EUV light, so reflective mirrors are needed. These mirrors require surface smoothness at the atomic level, with no dust particles allowed, as they could disrupt light transmission. Manufacturing these mirrors must be done in a cleanroom that is even cleaner than a surgical theater. The technical requirements alone for producing such a mirror would exclude 99% of companies.

The mask is another critical component, acting as the "mold" for the chip. The mask needs to be precise to atomic dimensions, as any error will render the entire chip useless. Manufacturing such a high-precision mask requires not only cutting-edge technology but also extremely expensive materials. Some estimate that the cost of a single lithography mask can reach millions of dollars.

Furthermore, lithography machines are not something that a single company can build alone. They require thousands of leading suppliers worldwide to provide components and technical support. A single lithography machine can contain over 100,000 parts, each needing to be assembled perfectly. Any discrepancy will ruin the entire machine. To manufacture a top-tier lithography machine, ASML in the Netherlands collaborates with over 500 suppliers globally, with each stage requiring seamless integration. This global collaboration, if any single link fails, requires readjustments of the entire supply chain.

China's Lithography Dream: Challenges and Difficulties

China faces immense challenges in the field of high-end lithography. First, there is a vast technological gap. The core technologies of EUV lithography machines are incredibly difficult to master, it's not something that can be achieved simply with money and resources. ASML spent decades and billions of euros to crack the EUV light source technology, while China started much later with comparatively weaker technological accumulation. Reaching international leading levels within a short timeframe presents a significant challenge.

Second, the supply chain poses a major issue. High-end lithography machines involve thousands of components and materials, with many core components like high-precision optical lenses and special materials relying on imports. Currently, global technological competition is fierce, and many crucial components are held by others, especially the United States and Japan, who have implemented various restrictions on China. This means that we need to put in a lot of effort to acquire these components ourselves, facing various technological blockades.

Finally, talent is a crucial factor. Lithography machine research and development require top scientists, engineers, and technicians, which are not easy to cultivate overnight. While domestic universities and research institutions are increasing investment in training relevant personnel, compared to established technological powerhouses like the Netherlands and Japan, our talent pool still has a significant gap.

Hope for Conquering "Mount Everest"

Despite these numerous challenges, China also has its advantages in the field of high-end lithography. We have the ability to "concentrate our efforts on major tasks," which allows us to quickly mobilize resources and manpower nationwide to overcome technological difficulties. Just look at the "Two Bombs and One Satellite" program during the past. We achieved success from a poor and weak foundation.

Now, the country has attached unprecedented importance to lithography technology, with major research institutions and companies pushing hard to catch up. As long as we persevere, continue to increase research investments, cultivate more talent, and strengthen international cooperation, we will eventually make breakthroughs in this field, conquer the "Mount Everest" of technology, and ascend to the peak of technological development.

Conclusion

High-end lithography machines are the "Mount Everest" of technology, requiring immense perseverance, wisdom, and determination to climb. China has embarked on this journey, and we believe that with unwavering determination, we will ultimately realize our dream, gain control of technological development, and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

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