Semes, a Korea leading semiconductor equipment company led by CEO Shim Sang-pil, announced on the 7th that it has successfully developed a next-generation krypton fluoride (KrF) spinner, named Omega Prime, for semiconductor photolithography processes.
This development marks a significant milestone for the company, as the Omega Prime has passed rigorous quality testing, positioning Semes as a formidable competitor in a market currently dominated by Japan’s T company, which holds over 90% market share.
The Omega Prime is a critical advancement in the semiconductor manufacturing process, specifically in photolithography, where spinners play a vital role. These devices are used to apply a uniform layer of photoresist on a wafer, which is then exposed to light to create intricate circuit patterns.
The precision and efficiency of such equipment directly impact the quality and yield of semiconductor devices. Semes’ new KrF spinner not only enhances wafer processing capacity by over 20% per hour but also incorporates advanced calibration and automation systems to improve process variability, thereby boosting productivity and performance. Additionally, it is capable of handling the Word Line Pad (WLPAD) process, further enhancing its utility.
Jang Se-yeon, the Team Leader at Semes, expressed optimism about the impact of Omega Prime, stating, “The development of Omega Prime is expected to have a significant import substitution effect in the future.” He further emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, adding, “We will continue to showcase differentiated equipment focused on high added value to lead technological leadership.”
Semes’ achievement is particularly noteworthy given the current market dynamics, where Japan’s T company has long held a near-monopoly. As the only domestic competitor in this field, Semes’ development of the Omega Prime represents a strategic move towards reducing reliance on foreign equipment, potentially leading to significant economic benefits and increased self-sufficiency in the semiconductor industry.
The company has a strong track record of innovation and success, being the first in the domestic equipment industry to surpass 3 trillion won in sales. Semes has also been recognized with the prestigious IR52 Jang Young-sil Award three times and holds over 1,000 photolithography equipment patents both domestically and internationally. These achievements underscore Semes’ capability and credibility in developing cutting-edge semiconductor equipment.
