11 Lithographer Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for lithographers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 lithographer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked lithographer companies as of November, 2024: 1.Veeco Instruments, Inc., 2.TSI, 3.Onto Innovation Inc..
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Lithographers
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What Is a Lithographer?
Lithographers are used in the manufacture of semiconductors, liquid crystal displays, and other products to depict patterns of circuits and pixels on substrates by irradiating light.
Because they use extremely intense light and require precise control of the stage, they are often large and cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Lithographers are very important in the manufacturing of semiconductors and LCDs because they determine the patterns of design data (CAD data). Various lithographer methods have been developed and adopted by various companies.
Usage of Lithographers
Lithographers are mainly used in semiconductor manufacturing and flat panel display (FPD) manufacturing, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs).
In the semiconductor manufacturing process, a silicon wafer is used as a substrate, and after forming an oxide film, etc., a photoresist (photosensitive material) is coated, and the coated surface is irradiated with intense ultraviolet light emitted from Lithographer through a photomask so that unwanted areas can be removed by etching, etc. Such a method using a lithographer is called photolithography.
In the LCD manufacturing process, a glass substrate is used, and several cycles of deposition, photolithography, and etching of thin films of metals and other materials are repeated.
On one substrate, pixel electrodes and switching elements (TFT elements, etc.) can be formed, and on the other substrate, color filters with the three primary colors of light (red, green, and blue) can be formed. By laminating both substrates and placing liquid crystal material between them, a panel for liquid crystal display is completed.
When selecting lithographers, it is necessary to fully discuss with the equipment manufacturer the type of light to be used in the exposure, the accuracy, and the precision of the stage before purchasing the equipment, as they are extremely expensive.
Principle of Lithographers
Exposure measures consist of a light source, deflection lens, photomask, focusing lens, stage, and a robot for transporting silicon wafers and other materials.
The lenses and photomasks are designed with extremely high precision, and the stage also operates with high precision. During operation, the exposure target is precisely fixed to the stage. During operation, the stage moves with each exposure, so that numerous patterns are depicted on the exposed object over the entire exposure area.
The intense light with a short wavelength emitted from the light source is directed by a deflecting lens and irradiated onto a photomask, which is the prototype for the circuit pattern. The light passing through the photomask is focused by a condenser lens to produce a very small circuit pattern on the exposed object.
Once the exposure is completed over the entire exposed area, the photomask is transported by a robot or other means. Some products are designed so that the exposure target is permeated by a liquid, allowing for more precise exposure.
Other Information on Lithographers
1. Lithographer Market Share
Lithographer manufacturing vendors for semiconductors are almost oligopolized by European and Japanese manufacturers, with Europe (84%) and Japan (14%) in 2018. In addition, the market for flat panel display (FPD) lithographers for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) is almost exclusively dominated by two Japanese manufacturers.
Lithographers for semiconductors are said to be the most precise machines in history, and the latest semiconductors have been miniaturized to the extent that the width of wiring on chips (process rule) is 3 to 5 nm.
The latest FPD lithographers have line widths of less than a few microns, and these are becoming thinner and larger year by year, and the equipment is becoming more precise and larger to achieve more beautiful, high-definition images.
2. About EUV Lithographers
Among semiconductor lithographers, EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithographers are those that use extremely short wavelengths of light known as extreme ultraviolet (EUV).
Lithographers using ArF excimer lasers, which have been used in the past, are able to process finer dimensions that are difficult to process. Semiconductor miniaturization has been progressing in accordance with Moore's Law (semiconductor integrated circuits become four times more highly integrated and functional in three years).
The development of reduced projection exposure technology called steppers, shorter exposure wavelengths, and immersion exposure technology has dramatically improved resolution. Miniaturization means that the minimum process size that can be burned onto a wafer becomes smaller, and the minimum process size R is expressed by the following Rayleigh's equation.
R = k/λ/NA *k is a proportionality constant, λ is the exposure wavelength, and N.A. is the numerical aperture of the exposure optical system.
Lithographers have been able to achieve miniaturization by reducing k, λ, and NA through the development of various technologies, and EUV lithographers are considered to be a technology that can break through the limitations of the past by shortening the exposure wavelength, and have been mass-produced in recent years.
3. About FPD Lithographers
FPDs (flat panel displays) include liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, and organic electroluminescent (EL) displays, which can be seen in smartphones, tablet-type terminals, and flat-screen TVs for home use, as well as in every aspect of our homes and towns.
FPD lithographers are used to manufacture flat panel displays. In principle, they are the same as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which irradiates light onto a photomask and exposes a circuit pattern on a glass plate through a lens to create an array.
In addition, color filters that produce images and video for displays are created and combined with the arrays to complete the display. Color filters are used to express the colors of images and video, and pigment-based color resist is applied to the glass, which is then exposed and developed.
List of 11 Lithographer Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Austria
- Germany
- Japan
- Taiwan
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Veeco Instruments, Inc.
Lithography Systems
Manufacturer Overview
Veeco Instruments Inc., founded in 1945, is a supplier headquartered in Plainview, New York, specializing in technology solutions for semiconductor manufacturers and scientific markets. Veeco offers a range of processing systems, including laser spike annealing technology, the AP200/300 series of lithography systems designed on the customizable Unity Platform™, ion beam systems for etch and deposition performance, as well as metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) systems for thin film deposition. Veeco acquired Epiluvac AB, a Swedish manufacturer of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, to perform advanced silicon carbide (SiC) applications, particularly in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry.
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Company Overview
TSI, headquartered in the United States, is a supplier of instruments and measurements solutions since 1961. The company provides measurement, application guidance, and data analytics solutions that enables customers to make informed decisions in pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, or cleanroom certification. Their instruments have helped organizations and individuals measure materials, analyze data, and comply with requirements of every kind.They also have product development, manufacturing and customer support facilities on three continents with distributors and manufacturers’ representatives providing local support worldwide.
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Onto Innovation Inc.
Lithography
Distributor Overview
Onto Innovation Inc., established in 2019 and based in Massachusetts, USA, is a developer and supplier of software solutions designed to digitize semiconductor manufacturing operations. The company specializes in metrology, defect inspection, lithography, and smart manufacturing software solutions to accelerate product and process development. Some of its product offerings are the AutoShell software, ControlWORKS software, Dragonfly G3 System, Atlas Series, QS2200/Stratus System, and JetStep G35 System. It is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2013 Information Security standards, catering to the semiconductor sector worldwide.
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Sono-Tek Corporation
Photoresist & Polyimide Films Coating Systems for Photolithography
Distributor Overview
Sono-Tek Corporation was established in 1975 and is headquartered in Milton, New York. The company specializes in precision ultrasonic coating solutions, serving diverse industries, including electronics, medical, and industrial. Its product range encompasses ultrasonic spray nozzles, coating systems, and fluxers. Sono-Tek's pioneering technology is evident through multiple patents and global market recognition such as the acquisition of ISO 9001: 2015. The company is also found in many other countries, with seven application labs and over 50 factory-trained distributors to add to its design and manufacturing headquarters in the US.
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JEOL Ltd.
Electron Beam Lithography System
Manufacturer Overview
JEOL Ltd. is a Japanese developer and manufacturer of scientific and industrial equipment originally established in 1949 as Japan Electron Optics Laboratory Co., Ltd. before its rebrand to JEOL Ltd. in 1961. Based in Akishima, Tokyo, the company produces various spectrometers, electron microscopes, electron beam lithography systems (EBLs), and thin-film formation equipment (TFFE). They also manufacture equipment for clinical testing or analysis, such as clinical chemistry analyzers and rack handlers. JEOL has operations and subsidiaries in three continents, including JEOL (Europe) B.V., JEOL USA Inc. and JEOL (UK) Ltd.
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Nanoscribe GmbH & Co. KG
Two-Photon Grayscale Lithography
Manufacturer Overview
Nanoscribe, a medium-sized company, develops and produces 3D printers and grayscale lithography systems as well as specially developed printing materials and application-specific solutions for various microfabrication applications. The specialist for additive manufacturing of high-precision structures and objects on the nano-, micro- and mesoscale was founded in 2007 as a spin-off of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and is part of the BICO Group since June 2021. More than 4,000 users and operators at top universities and innovative companies worldwide benefit from the groundbreaking technology and application tailored solutions for 3D Microfabrication. Nanoscribe has created its strong market leading position through high quality engineering and agility to continuously develop its products to meet customers’ high expectations.
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Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc.
LITHOGRAPHY
Manufacturer Overview
Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc., founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1951 is a manufacturer of semiconductor and electronics assembly solutions. The company's product portfolio includes advanced Packaging (Hybrid), Ball Bonders, Die Attaches, Electronics Assemblies and Wafer Level Bonders. Their products are used in markets such as automotive, communications, computer, consumer, and data storage. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, New Product Design and Development and Custom Manufacturing.
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Nikon Corporation
Semiconductor Lithography Systems
Manufacturer Overview
NIKON CORPORATION was founded in Japan in 1917 and is a global manufacturer of imaging products, optics, precision equipment, and instruments. The company's main product offerings include the Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, and COOLPIX. It also offers consumer and professional accessories such as NIKKOR brand optics, Speedlights, system accessories, and software products, along with premium sports and recreational optical products, including full-line binoculars, Fieldscopes, and rangefinders. The company complies with international standards such as ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018, catering to industries such as photography and videography, healthcare, manufacturing, and research.
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Independent Can Co.
World Class Metal Lithography
Manufacturer Overview
Independent Can Company, founded in 1929 in USA, is manufacturer of specialty metal packaging and metal lithography. The company stands as a pioneer in state-of-the-art metal decorating, boasting two cutting-edge printing facilities and offering a range of products, including Custom Tins, Decorative Tins, Seamless Tins, and Hermetic Cans.Its growth has been achieved through internal development and strategic acquisitions, allowing for the introduction of various capabilities and products. The company collaborates with clients to understand its brand identity, offering custom tin and can options. Its expertise lies in crafting metal packaging that appeals to customers while minimizing environmental impact.
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Kyodo International, Inc.
Microfabrication Equipment
Company Overview
Kyodo International, Inc. established in 1970 and based in Kawasaki-shi, Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor of microfabrication tools and equipment. The company's product range includes deposition tools, photolithography equipment, etching machines, CMP processing units, and nanoimprinting tools. These products are used for the development and manufacturing of electronic components and systems. The company serves industries such as electronics manufacturing, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) production, and life sciences, it ensures the delivery of high-precision tools for intricate manufacturing processes. Its services span the sale, repair, and overhaul of consumable parts.
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Company Overview
EV Group (EVG), established in 1980 in Austria, is a supplier of high-volume production equipment and process solutions for semiconductor, MEMS, compound semiconductor, power device, and nanotechnology device manufacturing. Its product range includes lithography systems, bonding systems, nanoimprint lithography (NIL) equipment, metrology systems, and photoresist coaters, vital in semiconductor manufacturing. The company have earned numerous accolades, including the 3D InCites Award, 2023 ISES Equipment Manufacturer of the Year Award, and known as one of the suppliers of fab equipment to foundation chip makers, emphasizing its excellence in the industry.
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Lithographer Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Veeco Instruments, Inc. |
25.6%
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| 2 | TSI |
12.8%
|
| 3 | Onto Innovation Inc. |
12.0%
|
| 4 | Nanoscribe GmbH & Co. KG |
9.4%
|
| 5 | Independent Can Co. |
8.5%
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| 6 | Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. |
6.8%
|
| 7 | JEOL Ltd. |
6.0%
|
| 8 | EV Group |
6.0%
|
| 9 | Sono-Tek Corporation |
5.1%
|
| 10 | Nikon Corporation |
4.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the lithographer page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Nikon Corporation: 18,437
- JEOL Ltd.: 3,291
- Kyodo International, Inc.: 90
Newly Established Company
- Sono-Tek Corporation: 1975 (49 years ago)
- Kyodo International, Inc.: 1970 (54 years ago)
- TSI: 1961 (63 years ago)
Company with a History
- Nikon Corporation: 1917 (107 years ago)
- JEOL Ltd.: 1949 (75 years ago)
- Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc.: 1951 (73 years ago)
Lithographer Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Lithographer Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
4 | 40.0% |
Japan
|
3 | 30.0% |
Germany
|
1 | 10.0% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 10.0% |
Austria
|
1 | 10.0% |
List of Lithographer Products
1 product is listed.
Izumiya Machinery Co., Ltd.
PcB manufacturing loader & unloading exposure device
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