asml

**ASML** is the **sole manufacturer of EUV lithography systems worldwide** — producing the most complex and expensive machines in semiconductor manufacturing, each costing $150M-$350M+ and enabling chip fabrication at 7nm and below. **Key Systems** - **TWINSCAN NXE:3400C/3600D**: Standard EUV (0.33 NA), used at 7nm-3nm nodes. - **TWINSCAN EXE:5000**: High-NA EUV (0.55 NA), for 2nm and beyond. - **DUV Systems**: ArF immersion (NXT:2000i) still used for less critical layers. **EUV Machine Facts** - **Weight**: 180 tons, size of a school bus. - **Components**: 100,000+ parts from 5,000+ suppliers. - **Light Source**: Laser-produced plasma (tin droplets + CO₂ laser). - **Resolution**: Patterns down to ~8nm half-pitch. - **Throughput**: 160+ wafers/hour. - **Installation**: Requires 3 Boeing 747 cargo planes to ship. **Market Position**: ASML holds 100% monopoly on EUV systems. No competitor exists or is expected for 10+ years. ASML's EUV machines are **the most critical bottleneck in semiconductor manufacturing** — every advanced chip in the world depends on ASML technology.