Samsung introduces locally produced EUV photoresist for the first time

According to ETNews, Samsung Electronics introduced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photoresist developed by a Korean company for high-tech processes into its mass production line. This is the result of three years of localization efforts due to the 2019 Japanese export-related regulations.

Samsung Electronics was found to be using Dongjin SMicon Semiconductor photoresist for one of its semiconductor process (layer) lines. Last year, the company's photoresist was applied to the mass production line less than a year after it passed Samsung Electronics' reliability test. A process line is only a very small part of the entire process of Samsung Electronics. However, since it is a product that is completely independent of imports, it has special significance.

Dongjin will hire Young-sun Kim, the former CEO of ASML Korea, as the vice chairman in 2020, laying the foundation for entering the EUV photoresist business. Early last year, they accelerated product development by securing additional EUV photoresist personnel.

Since Samsung used this product for actual semiconductor production, Dongjin became the first company to localize EUV photoresist to mass production level.

Whether Samsung Electronics will import additional EUV photoresists from Dongjin is still uncertain. This is because there are many factors to consider, such as the relationship with overseas suppliers, and Samsung Electronics has not yet confirmed which process Dongjin Semiconductor products are used for.