Core Insights - The report emphasizes the urgency of domestic production of photolithography machines in China, highlighting the significant investment opportunities within the industry chain [3] - The global photolithography machine market is projected to exceed $30 billion, with ASML holding a dominant market share of 82.1% as of 2022 [3] - The construction of domestic wafer fabs is expected to surge, with monthly production capacity anticipated to grow from 2.17 million wafers in 2023 to over 4.14 million by the end of 2026 [3] Market Trends - The semiconductor manufacturing process includes several critical steps, with photolithography being the most complex and costly [3] - The report outlines the advancements in photolithography resolution through shorter wavelengths and increased numerical apertures, with EUV technology achieving resolutions down to 8nm [3] - The demand for domestic photolithography machines is expected to rise due to the rapid development of AI and the ongoing U.S. export controls on semiconductor equipment to China [3] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on companies such as Maolai Optical, Fuguang Co., Huicheng Vacuum, Inno Laser, Sudavige, Chip Micro, and Zhongqi New Materials for potential investment opportunities [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements and challenges in the domestic photolithography machine industry, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency in light of increasing U.S. export controls on semiconductor technology to China. Group 1: Photolithography Machines - The photolithography machine is a critical device in semiconductor manufacturing, with the process being complex and costly, comprising steps like coating, exposure, and development [18][19]. - The global photolithography machine market is estimated to exceed $30 billion, with ASML dominating the market, holding an 82.1% share in 2022 [39][45]. - The demand for domestic photolithography machines is rising due to the expansion of wafer fabrication plants in China, with expected monthly capacity growth from 2.17 million wafers in 2023 to over 4.14 million by the end of 2026 [15][50]. Group 2: Technological Developments - The SSA600/20 series is currently the most advanced domestic photolithography machine, capable of mass production with a resolution of 90nm, primarily used for mature processes [3]. - SMEE is focusing on developing a 28nm immersion photolithography machine, with the goal of delivering the first unit by 2024-2025, although actual progress may vary [4]. - The resolution of photolithography machines can be enhanced through shorter wavelengths and increased numerical apertures, with ASML's EUV machines achieving resolutions as low as 8nm [11][33]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The photolithography machine market is characterized by a few dominant players, with ASML, Canon, and Nikon controlling the majority of the market share [45]. - The U.S. has intensified export controls on semiconductor technology to China, making the localization of photolithography machines a pressing issue for the Chinese semiconductor industry [50][65]. - The construction of new wafer fabs and the rapid development of AI technologies are driving the demand for advanced photolithography machines in China, which are crucial for producing smaller transistors and higher performance chips [52][59]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The article suggests focusing on the domestic photolithography machine supply chain, highlighting companies such as Maolai Optical, Fuguang Co., Huicheng Vacuum, Inno Laser, Sudavige, and Chip Quasar as potential beneficiaries of this trend [96].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an investment rating of "A" for the electronic industry, indicating a positive outlook for the sector [1]. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the critical role of lithography machines in semiconductor manufacturing, highlighting their complexity and high costs. The global lithography machine market is projected to reach approximately $31.5 billion by 2024, with ASML dominating the market [4][33][38]. - The report discusses the urgent need for domestic lithography machine production in China due to increasing U.S. export controls on semiconductor technology, which has created a "bottleneck" for the domestic chip manufacturing industry [5][42][57]. Summary by Sections Lithography Machines - Lithography is identified as a key process in chip manufacturing, with lithography machines being the core equipment. The manufacturing process includes several steps, with lithography being the most complex and time-consuming [3][13]. - The report outlines the evolution of lithography technology, including the transition from mask-based lithography to projection lithography, which is becoming the mainstream technology in chip manufacturing [15][21]. - The report details the advancements in lithography machine resolution, driven by shorter wavelengths and increased numerical aperture, with EUV technology achieving resolutions as low as 8nm [24][27][32]. Market Dynamics - The global lithography machine market is estimated to exceed $31.5 billion, with ASML holding a dominant market share of approximately 82.1% as of 2022. The market is characterized by an oligopolistic structure, with ASML, Canon, and Nikon being the primary players [33][38][40]. - The report highlights the increasing demand for lithography machines driven by the expansion of domestic wafer fabrication plants in China, which are expected to increase their monthly production capacity significantly by 2026 [42][47]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on companies involved in the lithography machine supply chain, including Maolai Optical, Fuguang Co., Huicheng Vacuum, Inno Laser, and others, as potential investment opportunities [5][42].