Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The lithography process is the most technically challenging, costliest, and time-consuming step in chip manufacturing, accounting for approximately 30% of costs and 40-50% of time in the manufacturing process [7][10][12] - The lithography process involves multiple steps, including surface treatment, coating, exposure, development, and inspection, with advanced technology nodes requiring 60-90 lithography steps [7][10] - The lithography market is dominated by three major players: ASML, Nikon, and Canon, with a market size in the hundreds of billions [3.2][4.1] Summary by Sections 1. Lithography Process - Lithography is crucial for defining the minimum line width of chips and directly impacts the performance and process level of semiconductor devices [7][10] - Key parameters in lithography include resolution and overlay accuracy, which are essential for ensuring the precise transfer of patterns onto silicon wafers [14][32] 2. Components of Lithography Machines - Lithography machines consist of several key components, including the light source, illumination system, and projection optics, which are critical for the exposure process [43][45] - The light source provides the energy needed for lithography, with different types such as mercury lamps, excimer lasers, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light being used depending on the process requirements [45][48] 3. Lithography Machine Market - The lithography machine market is characterized by a high level of competition among leading manufacturers, with ASML being a dominant player in the EUV segment [3.2][4.1] - The report highlights the evolution of lithography technology, including advancements in light source wavelengths and numerical aperture (NA), which are essential for improving resolution [19][22] 4. Domestic Supply Chain Manufacturers - The report outlines several domestic manufacturers involved in the lithography supply chain, including Shanghai Micro Electronics, Guoke Precision, and Huazhuo Jingke, each specializing in different aspects of lithography technology [4.1][4.2][4.3]