Russian media: Russia will mass-produce lithography lasers after 2026

Recently, according to an in-depth report by the authoritative Russian science and technology media CNews, Russia is accelerating its independent research and development and production in the field of lithography technology, especially in the key component of excimer lasers, and plans to open large-scale production after 2026, with an annual output target of at least five high-performance lasers. This marks a solid step for Russia in the process of localization of high-end semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Russia's focus on aligned molecular lasers stems from their irreplaceability in semiconductor manufacturing. As one of the core equipment of the photolithography process, excimer laser can emit extremely short wavelength, high energy laser beam, and accurately characterize the circuit pattern at the micron or even nanometer level on the silicon chip, which is an indispensable "carving knife" for the manufacture of chips. Lassard Group, an emerging company with a long history in the field of natural science and technology research and development, has been entrusted with this important mission, and its research and development work is advancing at an unprecedented pace and is expected to enter the testing phase in 2025. This timetable not only highlights Russia's determination to catch up with the international advanced level in the high-tech field, but also indicates a significant improvement in its semiconductor manufacturing capacity.

The recovery of the Russian semiconductor manufacturing industry is the result of multiple factors. In the face of complex changes in the international environment, the Russian government has realized the importance of enhancing the integrity of the local semiconductor industry chain and the ability of independent innovation, so it has increased its support for relevant scientific research institutions and enterprises. The statement by Vasily Shpak, the deputy minister of industry and trade, has certainly injected a shot in the arm into the process. He stressed that the smooth advancement of the laser project will bring at least 130nm level lithography capabilities to Russia, which is not only a major breakthrough in the current level of technology, but also a solid foundation for the future to more advanced process nodes.

It is worth noting that although Russia has made significant progress in the field of lithography machines and lasers, there is still a certain gap compared with the international top level. At present, the world's most advanced chip manufacturing process has entered the 3nm era, and Russia's first lithography machine target process is only 130nm, this gap is not only reflected in the technical difficulty, more directly related to product performance and market competitiveness. However, it is precisely this gap that provides the Russian semiconductor industry with broad space for development and huge market potential. Through continuous technological innovation and industrial upgrading, it is entirely possible for Russia to gradually narrow the gap with the international leading level in the next few years, and even achieve corner overtaking in some specific areas.

In the process of promoting the recovery of the semiconductor manufacturing industry, Russia knows that it is difficult to achieve big things alone, so it actively seeks cooperation with domestic and foreign scientific research institutions and enterprises. Lassard Group's close cooperation with the Zelenograd Nanotechnology Center (ZNTC) is a concrete manifestation of this strategic thinking. As an important force in the field of nanotechnology in Russia, ZNTC's technical strength and talent reserve provide a strong guarantee for the research and development of lasers and lithography machines. The cooperation between the two sides has not only accelerated the project process, but also promoted the rapid transformation and application of technological achievements. In addition, Russia actively attracts international investment and technology transfer, and strives to build an open, inclusive and coordinated semiconductor industry ecosystem.

Market demand is the fundamental driving force for the development of the semiconductor industry. With the acceleration of global digital transformation, the demand for high-performance chips continues to rise. As a country with huge market potential and profound scientific and technological heritage, Russia has attracted much attention for the development prospects of its semiconductor industry. Especially with the rise of local chip manufacturers such as "Mikron", the need for advanced lithography machines and lasers is becoming increasingly urgent. This not only provides a broad space for the development of the Russian semiconductor manufacturing industry, but also brings unprecedented market opportunities for related enterprises and scientific research institutions.

Russia's active layout and rapid advancement in the field of lithography laser and semiconductor manufacturing is not only a positive response to the changes in the international situation, but also a profound confidence in its own scientific and technological strength and industrial base. Although the road ahead is not easy, with strong determination, continuous innovation and extensive cooperation, Russia is fully capable of taking a place in the global semiconductor industry pattern and achieving a great Renaissance of semiconductor manufacturing.