PUBLISHER: Information Network | PRODUCT CODE: 1266887
PUBLISHER: Information Network | PRODUCT CODE: 1266887
Etching equipment (or etcher) has high technology barriers due to the complexity and strict requirement of uniformity in the etching process, and etch is a key process in making critical dimensions within a chip. This area is primarily dominated by LAM Research, Tokyo Electron, and Applied Materials. These global leaders offer full etch equipment portfolio ranging from silicon etch (trench, gate, TSV), dielectric etch (Via, Contact, Side wall) and metal etch.
The etching process shapes thin films into certain patterns desired by wafer fabs by using chemicals, reaction gases or ion chemical reaction. In non-EUV, multi-patterning increases lithography and etch/cleaning steps. 14nm requires double-patterning, with KrF 193nm immersion DUV lithography tool, and 7nm requires quadruple-patterning. We see a rising number of etch steps as the process node moves to more advanced nodes, which could drive up etch demand. However, the use of EUV lithography tool in 7nm+ and 5nm could reduce the need for multi-patterning and thus reduce etching steps.
Advanced pulsing technology provides the extremely high materials selectivity, depth control and profile control needed by customers to create densely packed, high-aspect-ratio structures in 3D NAND, DRAM and logic, including FinFETs and emerging gate-all-around architectures.
This report addresses the strategic issues impacting both the user and supplier of plasma etching equipment to the semiconductor industry. Markets for dry etching and stripping are analyzed and projected, and market share presented by each sector.