“We underestimated the demand for DUV”

In recent years, lithography with extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) attracted almost all the attention. The technology has captured the imagination. If only because ASML has so far been the sole supplier. EUV lithography now defines the performance of the most advanced systems on Earth, from Samsung’s Galaxy and Apple’s iPhone to servers in data centers.

With that, EUV is also highly strategic. The world’s most successful semiconductor companies use it to make their microprocessors and AI chips. Companies like Apple, Nvidia and Qualcomm have their products made by parties that have the knowledge and the courage to do so – setting up an EUV wafer fab is extremely difficult and requires deep pockets. So far, only Intel, Samsung and TSMC are playing in this league.