In 2009, We Will Have Chips Made Using the 32 nm Process

Intel, the principal microprocessor manufacturer, announced during a conference that the transistor miniaturization process will continue to evolve. The company is now trying to start the CPU (Central Processing Unit) production using the 32 nm (nanometer) process beginning 2009.

Intel reconfirmed its clients and investors that it has the capacity to begin the new production type in 2009. The 32 nanometer production technology uses very thin structures and needs special tools for manufacturing, like the extreme ultraviolet lithography. The main idea of this technology is the possibility to draw/write thinner circuits than in present. But the developing process of such production tools is very complex and can slow down the mass production using this technology.

At the beginning of 2004, Intel offered Cymer, a company that produces ultraviolet light sources used for semiconductor manufacturing, 20 million USD founds for accelerating in the next three years the developing process of EUV (extreme ultraviolet lithography) sources.

Intel Officials have announced that the 32 nm production technology is essential for the company, and that they want it to be mass adopted beginning 2009.