Nikon Releases the NSR

Supports a variety of semiconductor devices and can supplement or replace existing steppers

August 31, 2023

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the NSR-2205iL1 5x reduction i-line stepper, which will be used to manufacture a variety of devices such as power and communications semiconductors and MEMS, and is fully compatible with existing Nikon i-line exposure systems. The 2205iL1 provides excellent affordability and will enable optimized production of various semiconductor devices regardless of the wafer material. The NSR-2205iL1 represents the most significant renewal of Nikon 5x stepper technology in the past twenty-five years, and system development was in direct response to customer demand for these lithography systems that play such an essential role in chip manufacturing.

As electric vehicles, high-speed communications and various IT devices become more prevalent, demand for semiconductors to support them is growing exponentially. These semiconductors must perform a variety of challenging functions, and as result, device makers require specialized substrates and exposure systems to manufacture those chips.Nikon often satisfies these lithography system requirements through means such as refurbishing previously owned steppers. However, refurbished stepper supply can be limited and may not be sufficient to meet customers' demands. Therefore, to provide additional flexible exposure equipment solutions, Nikon is launching a new 5x i-line stepper that leverages knowledge obtained working closely with customers in order to provide them with specialized solutions to meet the market's demand as well as address the limited and aging stepper supply.In addition to expanding various options to address customers' diverse needs, this newly developed i-line stepper will also support long-term device production.

The NSR-2205iL1 will deliver high productivity while optimizing yield level for a variety of semiconductor manufacturing processes through high-accuracy wafer measurement using multipoint autofocus (AF), advanced wafer stage leveling*1, and wide DOF (expanded depth of focus range), among other benefits. In addition, it is well-suited for a variety of applications due to its wafer thickness and size compatibility, high wafer warpage tolerance, and flexible capabilities including but not limited to supporting SiC (silicon carbide) and GaN (gallium nitride) processing. The NSR-2205iL1 i-line stepper will deliver excellent affordability while satisfying chipmakers' diverse requirements.

Customers having Nikon i-line exposure systems in their fab can continue to utilize assets and operations already in place such as photomasks and wafer exposure recipes. In addition to being compatible with existing fab operations, the 2205iL1 can supplement or replace existing steppers that no longer meet manufacturing requirements.

The NSR-2205iL1 can be used with confidence over an extended period of time because its design utilizes general-purpose commercially available components, making it easier than ever to procure parts and providing a more sustainable lithography solution for the future.

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The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.