ASML is the sole supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines used to make the most advanced chips.
The Dutch company, founded in 1984 as a joint venture between Philips and ASM International, develops and manufactures lithography systems. Chipmakers use these machines to project extremely precise patterns onto silicon wafers during semiconductor fabrication.
ASML’s EUV systems use 13.5-nanometre light, allowing manufacturers to print critical layers for leading-edge processors and memory chips. Producing the machines requires a global supply chain, including key optical technology from the German company Carl Zeiss.
ASML is sometimes described as a chipmaker, but it does not generally manufacture consumer processors. It makes the highly specialized equipment used by semiconductor foundries and integrated-device manufacturers. Its unique position in advanced lithography has helped make it one of Europe’s most valuable public companies.