Asianometry Japan’s Semiconductor Photoresist Monopoly
Jan 26, 2025
Japan’s influence in the semiconductor industry remains strong, particularly through its photoresist technology. This essential chemical plays a pivotal role in lithography, with 90% of the market controlled by Japanese companies. The evolution of photoresist has seen firms like Tokyo Ohka Kogyo and JSR rise to global prominence. Geopolitical tensions and strategic partnerships, including IBM's collaborations, shape this industry. The recent state-controlled buyout of JSR highlights the effects of global competition on Japan's semiconductor landscape.
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Japan's Photoresist Monopoly
- Japan, while no longer dominant in semiconductor fabrication or lithography, controls a crucial chemical: photoresist.
- Japanese companies hold ~90% of the photoresist market, vital for lithography.
Photoresist's Importance
- Photoresist is the medium upon which chip designs are written using UV light.
- It's crucial for the lithography process, even more so than the expensive EUV tools.
Photoresist History
- The photoresist concept dates back to the 1820s, with Nicéphore Niépce using bitumen.
- William Shockley likely first used photoresist for semiconductor pattern reproduction.