ASML

ASML Holding N.V. or ASML, abbreviated from Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography, is a Dutch multinational firm that was created in 1984. ASML specializes in the design and manufacture of photolithography devices used in the production of computer chips. As of 2022, it is the world's largest semiconductor supplier and the sole provider of extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) photolithography machines required to build the most advanced chips. ASML had a market capitalization of over US$270 billion as of 2023, making it the most valuable European technology business.

ASML manufactures photolithography machines used in the manufacture of computer chips. Patterns are optically projected onto a silicon wafer that is coated with a coating of light-sensitive substance (photoresist) in these machines. On a single wafer, this technique is performed dozens of times. The photoresist is then treated further to form the actual electronic circuitry on the silicon. The optical imaging that ASML's machines deal with is employed in the manufacture of practically all integrated circuits, and ASML had 67% of the global lithography machine sales in 2011.

ASML is the only company in the world capable of producing the incredibly complicated machinery required to produce the most modern chips. ASML supplies the relatively rare EUV machines to a few chipmaking behemoths such as TSMC, Samsung, and Intel. Each machine is said to have approximately 100,000 components and is shipped in 40 freight containers or four jumbo jets. Because no one else can produce EUV machines appropriate for mass production, ASML has a monopoly on the segment, with no indication of anyone catching up.

Founded: 1984
Headquarters: Veldhoven, Netherlands
Website: https://www.asml.com/