Tech giant Intel has successfully installed two of the world’s most advanced High NA EUV lithography machines, marking a significant milestone for the semiconductor giant. These High Numerical Aperture (High NA) Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) machines, each valued at around $350 million, are crucial for advancing semiconductor manufacturing and represent a pivotal upgrade to the original EUV technology.

At the recent SPIE conference, ASML's new CEO, Christophe Fouquet, highlighted the importance of High NA EUV, describing it as more of an "upgrade" to the existing EUV rather than a brand-new product. This approach suggests that the rollout of High NA EUV will be quicker and smoother than its predecessor, with fewer delays.

Intel's Mark Phillips shared that two High NA systems have been installed at Intel's Oregon facility, with the second installation going faster due to prior learning. He showcased early results from both systems, which exceeded expectations, offering significant improvements over standard EUV technology.

Interestingly, while Intel has embraced High NA technology, TSMC has been slower to adopt it, reportedly due to cost concerns. However, industry insiders believe that TSMC will eventually follow suit, especially if Intel gains an advantage with the new technology.

The modular design of High NA EUV allows for future upgrades, including the potential to swap lens assemblies for even more advanced versions. This flexibility, coupled with rapid adoption by key players like Intel, positions High NA as a game-changer for the semiconductor industry.

Intel plans to integrate these machines into production for its 14A process by 2025, which is a crucial step in the company's roadmap. The successful installation and operation of these tools are seen as vital to Intel's technological leadership, especially as the industry pushes the limits of Moore's Law in the era of AI-driven demand.

Overall, the adoption of High NA EUV is a win for both Intel and ASML, reinforcing Intel's competitive edge and advancing ASML’s position as the dominant provider of cutting-edge lithography equipment.