ASML makes the extreme ultraviolet lithography machines used to manufacture the most advanced computer chips.
ASML, headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands, is the world’s leading supplier of lithography systems for semiconductor manufacturing. Its machines project extremely small circuit patterns onto silicon wafers, a crucial step in producing modern processors.
EUV lithography uses 13.5-nanometre-wavelength light. ASML’s EUV systems are exceptionally complex and rely on a global network of specialist suppliers, including Germany’s Carl Zeiss for precision optics. The company began shipping commercial EUV systems in the late 2010s.
A common mix-up is confusing ASML with chip manufacturers such as TSMC or Samsung. ASML does not generally design consumer processors or operate large chip fabs; it supplies the equipment that chipmakers use. Its technological importance and dominant market position have helped make it one of Europe’s most valuable companies.