Transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) are among the crucial tools used in the development of semiconductor materials and chip fabrication processes. Last year, Chinese entities spent hundreds of millions of dollars procuring TEMs from overseas companies, but they may no longer need to as the domestic Bioland Laboratory has developed its own TEM, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Transmission electron microscopes are essential in the semiconductor industry as they are widely used for material analysis and quality control. Bioland Laboratory's TH-F120 is said to be a state-of-the-art transmission electron microscope, which has a thermal emission electron gun that produces brighter and more stable emissions than TEMs made outside of China, according to the report. Additionally, it is said to offer highly detailed imaging capabilities, crucial for materials science research for the eventual production of semiconductors.
Avid readers of Tom's Hardware are used to those high-resolution images of transistors presented by compares like Intel and TSMC at various industry events. Those images are made using TEMs. But while impressive, these images are used for scientific purposes.
According to Guangzhou Daily, Chinese companies spent $416 million in 2022 on 300 TEM microscopes (indeed, these are expensive). Therefore, the development by Bioland Laboratory represents a major step in China's quest for semiconductor self-reliance, reducing its dependence on foreign microscopes, and positioning the country as a potential key player in the global market for such advanced scientific equipment.
