Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transition of former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger to xLight, a startup focused on revolutionizing EUV lithography technology through the use of particle accelerators, aiming to enhance semiconductor manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs significantly [1][5][6]. Group 1: Company Overview - xLight aims to commercialize Free Electron Lasers (FEL) powered by particle accelerators to produce EUV light, which is essential for advanced semiconductor manufacturing [4][6]. - The company claims its EUV light source will be four times more powerful than current technologies, potentially generating billions in additional annual revenue for semiconductor fabs [6][11]. Group 2: Technology and Innovation - Current EUV light generation methods, such as Laser Produced Plasma (LPP), are highly energy-intensive, producing only 500 watts of light from 1.5 megawatts of power [1][4]. - xLight's FEL technology is designed to be fully compatible with existing ASML tools, addressing the need for higher power sources (up to 2 kW) for future semiconductor manufacturing [4][5]. Group 3: Economic and Strategic Implications - The advancements in EUV technology are critical for maintaining the U.S.'s leadership in the semiconductor industry, which is vital for economic prosperity and national security [6][11]. - xLight's system is expected to reduce wafer costs by approximately 50% and lower capital and operational expenditures by over three times [6][11]. Group 4: Future Prospects - xLight is currently developing a fully functional prototype that will connect to ASML scanners and is expected to be operational by 2028 [6][8]. - The company believes its technology will not only enhance semiconductor applications but also address challenges in national security and biotechnology [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Rapidus is making strides in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, aiming to produce 2nm chips by 2027, with significant government support to regain technological leadership lost to the US, Taiwan, and South Korea [2]. Group 1: Company Developments - Rapidus has begun testing chip manufacturing equipment and plans to start trial production of advanced semiconductors by the end of April [2]. - The company has received a total of 1.72 trillion yen (approximately 115 billion) in government funding to support its initiatives [2]. - An additional support package of up to 802.5 billion yen (around 54 billion) is being provided to aid Rapidus in its development [2]. Group 2: Technological Challenges - The CEO of Rapidus, Atsuyoshi Koike, acknowledged the difficulties in developing 2nm technology and emphasized the need for extensive experimentation to reduce error rates and build customer trust [2]. - The first test chips are expected to be unveiled in July, with plans for large-scale production at a facility in northern Hokkaido [2]. - Analysts express skepticism about the feasibility of launching a 2nm production line by 2027, citing the challenges of mastering ASML's latest equipment and the inexperience of engineers with these tools [3].