Lasertec Corporation is steadily expanding its presence in the Chinese market against the backdrop of a strong semiconductor investment. Mainly, the company has been proposing inspection systems that use conventional deep ultraviolet (DUV) light and inspection systems for power devices. Primarily, due to U.S. export restrictions, the company is focusing on legacy products.

The company’s mainstay product for the Chinese market is the MATRICS X800LITE Series of mask inspection systems. Particularly, this system is compatible with design nodes of 28nm or larger. It has attracted inquiries from both wafer fabs and mask stores.

Isamu Sumiyoshi, President of Lasertec China Co., Ltd. said, “In China, investment in semiconductor manufacturing is flourishing, with support from the national and local governments. Several projects are underway, and demand for various types of equipment is increasing.”

Strong Demand for Power Device Inspection

Meanwhile, sales of the MAGICS Series M6751 Mask Blanks Inspection and Review System and the Phase-Shift and Transmittance Measurement System (MPM) are also strong. In particular, the MPM has become an industry standard. Accordingly, demand has been surging for several years and production is proceeding at a rapid pace.

In addition, demand for inspection systems for power devices is increasing in the Chinese market. Inquiries for the SiC Wafer Inspection and Review System “SICA88” have been strong. Last year, orders for this system were brisk.

Strategic Expansion

Additionally, the company established a local subsidiary in China seven years ago. It has developed a network of service bases in the country. As investment in wafer fabs and mask stores continues in various parts of China, the company is working to increase its workforce and improve its technological capabilities.

According to Koichi Moriizumi, Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, Lasertec Corporation, “Investment in semiconductors will continue to accelerate in China. There are moves to proceed with plans, and we need to keep a close eye on market trends. We will upgrade the skills of our local engineers. We will also make sure that customer requests are resolved locally, which will lead to an increase in our service capabilities.”

This is an English translation of a Japanese article originally published in Dempa Shimbun Daily.

-16 April 2024-