Canon Ventures into Chip Manufacturing with ASML Challenge

Canon, known for its cameras and printers, has launched a new "nanoimprint lithography" system called FPA-1200NZ2C, which it claims can manufacture semiconductors equivalent to a 5nm process and go as small as 2nm. This puts Canon in direct competition with Dutch firm ASML, which dominates the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine space. ASML's machines are crucial for manufacturing the most advanced chips, and its EUV technology has become popular among chipmakers. Canon's machine does not require a special wavelength light source, reducing power consumption. The development of Canon's nanoimprint lithography technology comes at a time when the global demand for chips is increasing, and geopolitics surrounding semiconductor supply chains are intensifying.