ASML - Semiconductor Lithography Systems

ASML is the world's leading provider of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry, manufacturing complex machines critical to the production of integrated circuits or chips.

ASML technology transfers circuit patterns onto silicon wafers to make every kind of chip used today, as well as those for tomorrow. The technology needed to make chips advances as digital products become more pervasive - such as mobile phones, consumer electronics and PCs.

With each new generation of chips, personal and business products become smaller, lighter, faster, more powerful, more precise, more reliable and easier to use. In parallel, the global semiconductor industry is pursuing its long-term roadmap for imaging ever-finer circuit lines on silicon wafers.

CORE BUSINESS: LITHOGRAPHY

The technology behind ASML's business is known as lithography.

ASML systems - called steppers and step-and-scan tools - use a photographic process to image circuit patterns onto silicon wafers, much like a camera prints an image on film.

Light generated by a source, such as a laser, is transmitted through a pattern known as a photomask and then through a lens. This process projects an image of the pattern onto the wafer, which has been coated with a light-sensitive material called photoresist. The wafer is then developed and one layer of the circuit pattern appears.

Other chipmaking steps follow. Repeated a number of times, the process results in a wafer full of completed integrated circuits.

WAFER LITHOGRAPHY

ASML's largest business focuses on lithography systems for 200mm and 300mm diameter wafer manufacturing. The ASML TWINSCAN™ lithography system exemplifies our technology leadership. It is the industry's only dual-stage system that allows exposure of one wafer while simultaneously measuring another wafer.

IMMERSION LITHOGRAPHY

Another example of ASML technology leadership is our new immersion lithography system. It replaces the air over the wafer with fluid to enhance focus and shrink circuit dimensions. These technologies mean greater productivity for our customers.

In addition, ASML Special Applications offers not only solutions for application markets but also remarketing, the relaunching pre-owned ASML equipment into the market.

ASML MaskTools provides innovative mask technologies and software products that extend the limits of optical lithography. ASML Optics provides precision optical systems for ASML's advanced scanners.

CHIP FABRICATION

ASML researches, develops, designs, manufactures, markets and services technology systems used by the semiconductor industry to fabricate state-of-the-art chips.

Lithography, or imaging, is the critical technology that shrinks the width of circuit lines, allowing chipmakers to continually design and produce more chips per wafer, more powerful chips or both.

Finer line widths (some less than 1,000 atoms across) allow electricity to flow around the chip faster, boosting its performance and improving its functionality. For chipmakers, such technological advancements mean increased manufacturing productivity and improved profitability.

ASML is committed to providing customers with the right technology that is production-ready at the right time. Doing so enables our customers and their customers to sustain their competitive edge in the marketplace.

COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SUPPORT

ASML customers are located all over the world and so ASML has over 50 service locations in 14 countries.

ASML technology is supported by a worldwide customer service organization, including experts on-site at customer fabrication facilities who are backed by a global pool of ASML engineers and other professionals.

ASML also offers process solutions to help customers seamlessly integrate every step in their chipmaking to improve return on their capital investments.

HEADQUARTERED IN THE NETHERLANDS

Corporate headquarters is in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. Research, development and manufacturing facilities are located in Wilton, Connecticut, and Veldhoven.

ASML is traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ under the symbol ASML.