X-rays may be key to smaller microchips

Article Abstract:

Physicist Katsumi Suzuki of Japan's National Laboratory for High-Speed Physics is researching how to use X-rays to etch densely integrated circuits. Since the late 1970s, governments and semiconductor production equipment firms in both Japan and the United States have investigated X-ray lithography, which is widely viewed as the next frontier in the manufacture of integrated circuits. The research began in earnest after scientists concluded that light waves are too big for properly etching electronic circuits. Because today's transistors are scarcely bigger than the wavelength of light used to make them, 'fuzziness' created by the circuit stencil, or mask, can create horrendous errors on the printed circuit. The X-rays with their short wavelengths will be needed about the year 2000, when circuits with dimensions of about 0.25 microns are expected to enter production.

Research, Semiconductor production equipment, X-rays, Miniaturization, X-ray lithography

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Japan unveils AT&T-style breakup of Nippon Telegraph amid opposition

Article Abstract:

The Japanese government announces its intention to dismantle Nippon Denshin Denwa (NTT), the country's telecommunications monopoly, in a move reminiscent of the 1984 breakup of AT&T. NTT will be divided into NTT East, NTT West and an independent NTT Long Distance company, with each company given freedom to compete in any combination of communications services and equipment markets. Government officials cite the US telecommunications structure as a model of healthy competition and intend to institute the divisive measures during the year ending Mar 31 1999. However, considerable political and corporate opposition to the plan still exists within Japan, and it must clear several significant obstacles in order to become reality.

Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Telephone Communication, Telephone Communications, Planning, Laws, regulations and rules, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Telecommunications regulations, Telephone services, Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Corp., Government communications regulation

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Japan chip makers act to raise prices to counter yen

Article Abstract:

Japan semiconductor manufacturers raise prices on chips sold to US microcomputer manufacturers in response to the stronger yen. NEC Corp intends to increase its prices by eight to 18 percent, and Toshiba Corp and Hitachi Ltd announce they are adding 10 to 15 percent to their chip prices. NEC's 4M-bit chip prices rise by $1 to $3 starting in Oct 1993. Analysts find the export-price increases exceptable considering the recent strengthening of the yen. In 1993 the value of the yen has increased 20 percent over the US dollar. The Japanese companies are not endangering their market shares, as semiconductor manufacturers are currently able to meet only 80 percent of the overall demand for memory chips.

Semiconductor industry, Semiconductor devices, Prices and rates, Electronic components, Manufacturers, Semiconductor Device, Inflation, Price Increases

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