What it is
EUV lithography, or Extreme Ultraviolet lithography, is an advanced photolithography technique essential for manufacturing the most advanced semiconductor chips. It uses light with an extremely short wavelength (13.5 nanometers) to project intricate circuit patterns onto silicon wafers. This allows for the creation of features far smaller and more precise than older deep ultraviolet (DUV) methods, enabling the production of chips at 7nm process nodes and beyond.
EUV lithography machines are incredibly complex and expensive, with only one company, ASML, producing them commercially. This makes EUV a strategic bottleneck in the global semiconductor supply chain. Access to EUV technology is critical for foundries to produce leading-edge CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators. News often covers the geopolitical implications of EUV export controls, as nations seek to limit access to this crucial technology for national security or economic competitive reasons.
Why it matters
EUV lithography is vital for producing the fastest, most powerful chips, directly affecting the advancement and availability of cutting-edge tech products.
Reviewed under editorial standardsUpdated September 26, 2026Not investment advice