The tech industry is abuzz with a new development that could revolutionize chip manufacturing. Pat Gelsinger, former CEO and CTO of Intel, has taken on a new role as executive chairman of xLight, a startup that’s developing a groundbreaking technology to improve the production of microchips.
The technology in question is called Free Electron Laser (FEL), and it’s based on particle accelerators. This isn’t just a minor tweak – it’s a potentially game-changing approach that could significantly impact how chips are made.
xLight’s Ambitious Plans
xLight is looking to replace the current light source used in Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) systems with a laser that packs over 1,000W of power. To put that into perspective, the most advanced EUV systems from ASML, the market leader, currently operate with light sources between 250W and 300W. Even in lab settings, they’ve only managed to reach 500W.
The plan is to have this technology up and running in production by 2028, integrated directly with ASML’s scanners. If successful, xLight claims it could slash the cost per wafer by 50% and reduce operational and capital costs by up to three times. Gelsinger is confident that this advancement is not just possible but inevitable, stating that they’ll be building “the most powerful lasers in the world using accelerator technology” on LinkedIn.
Beyond Chip Manufacturing
The potential applications of xLight’s FEL technology extend far beyond chip production. The company sees promise in high-power metrology, defense, space debris control, and even medical imaging. According to Gelsinger, this tech could unlock a multi-billion-dollar market, both in the short and long term.
Some of the key benefits of this technology include:
- Potential cost savings of up to 50% per wafer
- Reduced operational and capital costs
- Applications in various industries beyond chip manufacturing
- Potential to unlock a multi-billion-dollar market
While there are challenges to overcome, such as the size of the accelerator and integrating it with existing factory infrastructure, Gelsinger and xLight are pushing forward with their ambitious plans.