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Technology Stocks : Speedfam [SFAM] Lovers Unite ! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: GuinnessGuy who wrote (2952)	4/26/1998 11:05:00 AM
From: Mr. Sam	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 3736

<<Do you know what the CMP challenges referred to are, and, if so, do you know how well Speedfam is addressing these relative to their competitors. Also, does Applied Materials have any material advantage here due to their more intimate knowledge of the overall semiconductor manufacturing processes?>> Craig, obviously I don't know what specific CMP challenges Cymer was referring to, but I will list several of the challenges that do exist. 1) Copper polishing slurries, pads, and polishing parameters need to be optimized. Depending which way this goes, there will be winners and losers. 2) Endpoint detection technology is still not completely worked out for some of the more difficult applications. SFAM and AMAT both have endpoint systems, but furthur work is needed (and is ongoing) at both companies. 3) Reliability continues to be quite poor for all CMP suppliers when compared to more mature semiconductor equipment sectors. Those are a few of the areas that stick out in my mind. SFAM, AMAT, and most other competitors are working hard on all of these issues. Mr. Sam