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Politics : Formerly About Applied Materials -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Lone Star who wrote (34107)	2/8/2000 6:38:00 PM
From: Big Bucks	Respond to of 70976

Lone Star, AMAT released some info mid last year about having a Copper etch process, this should be a leadership position since I'm certain they have applied for patents on the technology. This and dual damascene oxide trench etching should be a given IMO. The implications are that certain customers who don't have CMP can still use copper interconnects using fairly "standard" RIE (Reactive Ion Etching) and masking techniques. There are obstacles to overcome in every application with each customer having their own set of unique problems/issues when it comes to etching. AMAT's strength is that it can focus the necessary resources/expertise to resolve specific problems. Remember AMAT targets the highest profit potential markets with the highest future sales potential. Sometimes the market for specific types of equipment doesn't justify the factory resources/support that can be better utilized elsewhere to generate higher profits/earnings. "Why settle for hamburger when you can have prime rib for the same price". Just my opinion, BB