"The first one requires a high-precision lithography machine. Now you two have no choice. But they can't make it to the production line. For a new model, the accuracy must be at least 10 microns."
At present, the accuracy of mainstream lithography machines in the world has reached 0.5μm (micrometer), that is, 500nm (nanometer).
LEDs can't use such high precision, and the precision of the highest LED lithography machine in the future is only about 800nm.In this era, LED lithography machines can be acceptable as long as the accuracy is below 10μm.
In the current LED industry chain, it is not necessarily useful to improve the accuracy of the lithography machine alone, because the accuracy of the subsequent process links cannot be improved.Continue to improve the accuracy, it is beyond the scope of human operation.
From the data point of view, the domestic lithography machine of this era can reach the accuracy of 2~3μm, and it is more than enough as an LED lithography machine.
However, this depends on who you are talking to.What is the accuracy of the lithography machine used in the laboratory of Key Instrument? Cheng Yongxing actually doesn't know what word to use to describe it, maybe 1mm? That is, 1000μm?
"What about the second one?"
"Second, I need to customize a large lithography machine."
The conditions for charging at the next technology node are already in place, and some preparations can be started in advance.
"Large lithography machine? How big is big?"
Liu Minxue has heard that the indicators of lithography machines are all based on precision, such as millimeters, micrometers, and nanometers. But for the first time, he heard that the attributive "big" is useful.
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"12 inches! A lithography machine that can etch 12 inches."
"12 inches? Xiaocheng, are you kidding me! How big is the biggest wafer right now!"
The mainstream wafers in the world are all below 6 inches.The 8-inch has just been developed.12 inches, it should appear in 2000, which is 10 years later!
"Don't worry about what I want to carve! I'm going to carve something this big. If it's a wafer, I won't do your job. Like this blue sapphire, the base material is sapphire instead of silicon wafers.
"Xiaocheng, as you know, our strength in lithography machines is not strong. And we have completely abandoned these product lines.
We suffered this loss before and wanted to do everything, but we couldn't do anything well.And your requirement, not large size, but high precision, I am afraid it is difficult for a strong man!"
Liu Minxue is also a technical background.I dare not agree to a task that cannot be completed.
What's more, the accuracy of lithography machines generally increases with the increase in wafer area. The lithography machines that can be used on 8-inch wafers are definitely the world's first-class lithography machines.So 12 inches, one can imagine how accurate it is.
Keyi's strength lies in vacuum equipment and coating equipment.So MOVCD is handed to them, right on the road.But the lithography machine is not human.
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"I can't do it?"
"Xiaocheng, you have also stayed in our factory. Where the factory is strong and where it is weak, you have a good mind.
We are not sure about your two requirements.If you force us to do it.We can take it, but the result may not be satisfactory."
As a result of working together for a period of time, the relationship between the two parties is also very good.There is something to talk about.
"Okay, I'll think about it again."
Cheng Yongxing had to put away the fluke.Relying on Keyi Factory's plan to make the world go bankrupt!
The position of the lithography machine in the next few projects is very critical.One is the mass production of LEDs.The other is the next node item.A lithography machine manufacturer that can be controlled is a very important part.
But where can I find the next instrument factory?
The semiconductor equipment factory in the 1990s was dead in Cheng Yongxing's impression.Judging from the information of later generations, there is no one left.
Several well-known lithography machine manufacturers in later generations were all re-established after 2000.
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"The lithography machine, if you really don’t want to do it, then don’t force it. But MOCVD, even if you leave it to you. You need to build a branch in Bingcheng to help us optimize the LED production process and adjust product quality."
The suspension of blue LED brightness optimization is also related to Cheng Yongxing's lack of ability to modify equipment.He didn't have the perverted hands-on ability of Hero Nakamura, so he dared to make his own equipment.An equipment factory that can act according to the wishes of optoelectronics is a necessary option.
"It's no problem! I will let Gong Wang bring people back later. As long as this project can be achieved, everything will be fine!"
"There should be no problem. That is, their orders cannot be finalized. I will help you find other people's orders."
Since the news of Yueya’s contract was spread, several LED manufacturers have begun to regret it.These people are already calling the Optoelectronics Office to discuss the time of the next meeting.
Blue LED should be regarded as the first year of the market in 1991.
According to preliminary estimates, it is not a problem to sell at least a dozen MOCVD units this year.
For each unit, an IQ tax will be charged for optoelectronic research, calculated at $50,000.In other words, even if a single LED is not sold in the world, it can guarantee a net income of close to one million dollars.Not to mention the outdoor advertising screen market.
"Well, when we go back, we will arrange personnel to conduct trial production of new models. Strive for product finalization as soon as possible!"
Hearing the promise, the heart of the guest was put in his stomach.Sometimes, what people want is hope.With hope, even difficult conditions can be overcome.
The matter returned to the familiar track of both parties, and the atmosphere became harmonious again.
Several people discussed the design of the second-generation MOCVD around Cheng Yongxing's sketches and the materials brought by the Science Instrument Factory.On the basis of Cheng Yongxing's sketch map, Science Instrument Factory has carried out partial optimization work on it.
If we proceed along this line of thinking, the possibility of Science Instrument Factory becoming a MOCVD giant is not impossible.
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"By the way, Xiaocheng, what do you think about the compilation you said last time?"
Director Liu brought up an issue that everyone had discussed six months ago.Since the production authorization of MOCVD is in the hands of optoelectronics research, and the market is also in the hands of optoelectronics, the combination of the two is the best choice.
"This, to be honest, I haven't figured out how to do it yet."
Cheng Yongxing is also telling the truth.The Science Instrument Factory could not undertake the important task of the development of the lithography machine, so its utilization value dropped by a large margin.
The significance of incorporating a MOCVD manufacturer is actually not great.MOCVD certainly plays a key role in the LED industry chain.But in the optoelectronics strategic plan, there is not much place.
And the current model of authorized production basically meets the needs of photoelectric scraping and collecting IQ taxes.Further close integration is of little significance for the time being.
"My suggestion is as soon as possible! During this period of time, after your blue LED became famous, we also received some pressure. Many people came to us and wanted to buy the equipment in our hands, and some people wanted to put us in our hands. Forwarded the design drawings."
The old factory director provided a new piece of information.If the Science Instrument Factory was still hanging outside, it would not be able to withstand this pressure on its own with an order from above.
"Then what is your suggestion?"
"This time, I also want to discuss with you how we should go next. As you predicted, the market for MOCVD equipment alone will be enough for us to grow and develop. Such a strong combination is the best choice. ."
With regard to the transfer of equipment drawings, Key Instrument Factory firmly resisted this.Everyone has suffered for several years, and finally a piece of pie fell from the sky, but before they have eaten a few bites, someone will evenly divide it.
It is tolerable and unbearable!
"Okay, let's think about it together!"
Cheng Yongxing is not interested in MOCVD production plants, he is interested in people.
Optoelectronics research belongs to the commander of polished poles.Bingcheng does not have a complete semiconductor industry chain, and there is no relevant reserve of talents.
However, the scientific instrument is a complete system with an established system. If it can be incorporated as a whole, it will be significantly less difficult to expand based on them in the future.
"However, regarding the transfer of drawings and the purchase of equipment, blindly refuse is not the answer."
With regard to pirated devices and pirated LEDs, with the perspective of later generations, Cheng Yongxing has a slightly different idea.Blocking is worse than sparse. Since piracy is inevitable, can you find a way to control it within a certain range?
Anyway, Optoelectronics is not ready to enter the LED retail market.If you don't let me monopolize, then you have to bear the consequences.
However, the operation of this matter is not in a hurry, and we have to wait until the authorization is completed before returning to study.