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Technology Stocks : Dupont Photomasks (DPMI) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Larry Brew who wrote (393)	3/19/1998 2:31:00 AM
From: TI2, TechInvestorToo	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 955

OT-Larry, I don't why this is your last entry on the topic. This is a bulletin board to improve the collective understanding of the participants on the topic of the board so that we can make more informed decisions on our investments. Everyone has different experiences to contribute and perspectives to offer. It usually results in a learning experience! I went from a lurker to a member so that I could actively participate and have learning experiences from the interaction. I hope you still contribute as you are able in that context. TI2 PS- On the topic of the post and the preceeding thread, I don't think Kathy doubted that TI , or a multitude of others, don't have 250nm or 180nm fabs in place. The question is what exposure wavelength was being used to accomplish that result. The 250nm design rules were originally made by I-line (365 nm exposure wavelength) with strong shifters and various other optical tricks as well as DUV 248nm exposure ( HG lamp/bulb and excimer laser sources) step and scanners as well as steppers. Each approach had separate challenges. It seems that DUV at 248nm wavelength has won out at 250 nm design rules. In the same way that I-line used optical tricks such as Marc's (or is it David?) strong shifters to extend it to 250nm design rules, DUV (248 wavelength) is being extended to at least 150nm design rules with various tricks. The infrastructure changes associated with an exposure wavelength change is enormous in the number of companies (in many countries) involved and the associated expense. TI could not have kept this secret from the industry (nor could they afford to do it on their own). I know TI had a glorious past in making equipment ( sears portable drills to spin coat resist on 1in wafers, Zarowin/Rheinberg plasma etchers, etc etc), but they got out of the business as did IBM and a host of others in this country and others. It was too expensive. The cost and complexity to create and operate 193 exposure wavelength profitably is beyond a single company.