From all-round academic master to chief scientist

Chapter 240 August: Production increased by 2.6 times

"Huh~"

After his mind calmed down for a while, Lin Xiao felt that his thinking had become clear again.

The increased brain development this time was less than one-tenth of the original level, and the burden on him was not great. He just felt a little dizzy. After waiting for a while, the dizziness gradually subsided.

At this moment, he looked up at the surrounding environment again, and felt that everything around him seemed to be under his control. He was even able to directly build the entire room into a 3D model, and then placed it in his brain. And you can even make changes directly to this model.

In addition, he even felt that he could now perform prime factorization of eight-digit numbers with ease.

At the same time, he felt that his understanding of physics seemed to be one step closer.

Originally, he got a [Physics Master Halo] from the system because he proposed a multi-dimensional field theory before. This halo has a very high bonus for him, which is why he has the confidence to use the lithography machine.

And now his physics has been upgraded to level 5, which makes him more confident to shorten this time.

"Even...EUV lithography machines are not a problem. It seems that X-ray lithography machines can also work?"

This idea suddenly appeared in Lin Xiao's mind.

X-ray lithography machine refers to a lithography machine that uses X-rays as a light source.

The wavelength of X-ray is shorter than that of extreme ultraviolet light, making it easier to produce advanced process chips.

And this kind of photolithography machine has an advantage, that is, its light source is directly irradiated on the bottom of the chip.

This exposure method is called direct writing.

Among the light sources of EUV lithography machines, the EUV light source undergoes various refractions of more than a dozen lenses, and finally forms a chip on the chip by projection through the pattern on the mask.

This means that the X-ray lithography machine can be used without a photomask. At the same time, it has very low requirements on the lens system. It only has some requirements on the smoothness of the lens surface.

In addition, after the EUV light source has been refracted by optical lenses more than ten times, the energy of the original light source will be greatly weakened. From the original 100%, the energy may only remain less than 3% in the end. This is why EUV The requirement for the light source is that the power is strong enough. Otherwise, it is impossible for China to achieve a breakthrough in the light source. After all, the method is known and it is impossible to create it.

The X-ray lithography machine is different. Because it is a direct writing type and does not need to be refracted by the lens, there is no need to worry about insufficient light source power. What you have to worry about is that the exposure time is slightly longer, which will affect the final effect. .

Of course, X-rays have many advantages, but they also have disadvantages.

That is, compared with EUV lithography machines, lithography efficiency is relatively low and it is more difficult to achieve mass production. This is why X-ray lithography machines have not become mainstream. Although they are still used today, they are not So it gets people concerned.

However, Lin Xiao naturally considered this issue, and he felt that the X-ray lithography machine could be used because of the inspiration he just had, which gave him a method to achieve mass production of the X-ray lithography machine.

That is to use the diffraction effect.

X-rays can be diffracted through crystals, and generally speaking, crystal structures are basically determined using X-ray diffraction.

But on the other hand, if you choose a suitable crystal material as a lens, and then use the diffraction effect to achieve scaling of X-rays, you can achieve production efficiency like an EUV lithography machine. In addition, with the powerful energy of X-rays, you can achieve Faster production efficiency and very easy.

Of course, there is a difficult question, which is what this suitable crystal is. In addition, using the diffraction effect to control X-rays requires a huge amount of data to be processed.

So until now, although this diffraction effect has been used to achieve chip manufacturing, they are basically limited to some special patterns, and there are very few application cases.

For Lin Xiao, he just thought about it this way.

Although he is still a little confident now, if he tells the outside world that he wants to build an X-ray lithography machine, most of Huaxin Alliance will have to withdraw the next day.

Without thinking any more, he turned his attention back to the mathematical model in front of him.

Now that he had upgraded, he looked back at this model again, and suddenly felt that this model still seemed to be somewhat lacking?

"Hmm...it seems like this model can be further optimized."

After a moment of thinking, he found a point that could be optimized.

"Well, there is one more thing that can be optimized about the ion polisher calibration system."

The calibration system of the ion polisher is affected by its own accuracy. Of course, considering the influence of the internal magnetic field, the trajectory of the ion beam will be interfered by the magnetic field, just like the particle accelerator will also be interfered by various magnetic fields.

Therefore, if the magnetic field interference error is corrected more accurately in the calibration system, or the difference between the magnetic field error and the ion polisher's own accuracy error is used, more accurate polishing can also be achieved.

Thinking of this, Lin Xiao immediately started to calculate, and this step was actually very easy, that is, the root search method.

Ion beam polishing machine, spray plasma, magnetic field error influence... these things add up, can't they be solved by the root search method?

Of course, due to some differences in structure and function, a simple modification to the root search method is also needed.

And this step is not difficult.

About half an hour later, he completed the optimization of the model.

After solving this problem, Lin Xiao curled up his lips.

"I'm so awesome."

After touching his face, Lin Xiao reached out and rubbed Mimi who was sleeping next to him, and asked with a smile: "Mimi, are you right?"

"Meow~"

Mimi's curled up body didn't move, she just barked, probably in response.

Lin Xiao smiled, masturbated again, and then contacted Luo Gangxian and informed him of the news.

Naturally, I was very surprised. I didn't expect Lin Xiao to solve this problem so quickly.

After getting Lin Xiao's mathematical model, he was even more amazed. This mathematical model was full of various variables, but at a glance, it made people feel the existence of mathematical beauty.

Soon, Luo Gangxian went over the mathematical model and immediately saw the key points of the model: "Professor Lin, is this model... a program?"

"Yes." Lin Xiao said: "Written it as a program and put it into the system of the ion polisher, it can effectively improve the accuracy of polishing."

"In addition, the most important thing is that it can replace human experience, which is equivalent to, even if we do not have top polishing masters like Zeiss, we can still polish top optical lenses!"

Hearing this, Luo Gangxian was even more shocked: "Can it replace the operator's experience? Mr. Lin, are you sure?"

Lin Xiao smiled: "I'm sure, you will know after you try it."

"Okay, I'll give it a try right away. Anyway, thank you."

"Nothing, this is exactly the purpose of my proposal to establish the Huaxin Alliance."

Lin Xiao said.

"Yes."

Luo Gangxian replied, feeling once again about Lin Xiao's spirit. Who else in the world has such ability and such ambition?

After hanging up the phone, Luo Gangxian stopped thinking about it. The best way to repay Lin Xiao now is to tell him that he succeeded.

Then, he immediately returned to the laboratory, summoned all relevant researchers, and held a meeting.

"Everyone, Professor Lin Xiao came over some time ago to visit our ultra-precision optical lens polishing technology. According to the agreement with Huaxin Alliance, he brought us an optimized plan. You can take a look now."

With that said, Luo Gangxian also showed the mathematical model to the people present.

The people present looked at this mathematical model and were astonished like Luo Gangxian. This was actually done by Lin Xiao within half a month. Looking at several mathematical formulas in this model, although they were not clear about these formulas. What does it represent, but even at first glance, they feel confused.

"Okay, now let's start discussing this model."

After obtaining this mathematical model, they naturally need to conduct research and discussion to understand it.

If you can't understand it before using it, then they might as well go home and farm.

Then, they began to discuss every detail of the model.

The people present were all experts in this field and had done a lot of research on ion polishing. The more they interpreted this mathematical model, the more they could feel Lin Xiao's ability.

The more variables there are, the harder it is to combine them. If it were them, if they were to develop this model, I'm afraid it would be enough for them to organize several people, apply for a million-dollar grant, and study it for a year and a half.

In this way, after several days of discussion and communication with Lin Xiao, they finally clarified the model.

Then, this model was used to optimize their ion beam polishing system.

System optimization is a relatively long process, and they also need to constantly check the correctness of the program and identify bugs.

So this takes a long time. Of course, this time is not a problem at all compared to the time when success is not seen.

…

After finishing the lens polishing technology, Lin Xiao began research on the double workbench.

The dual workbench is a component that can increase the production efficiency of the photolithography machine. One workbench scans the silicon wafer, and the other workbench performs photolithography.

Huaguo has achieved an important breakthrough in dual-worktable technology. It uses magnetic levitation micro-motion technology to achieve a precision of movement accuracy better than 2nm and improves the resolution of the dual-worktable. It is considered to be the world's best manufacturer except Aspen. Maier is the second country to master the dual-stage technology of photolithography machines.

However, there are still many problems in the practical application of this technology. This breakthrough dual workbench cannot be directly used on EUV lithography machines.

Of course, there are problems in comparison, at least now they are tangible, so it is not difficult for Lin Xiao to achieve optimization. However, in addition to optimization, the most critical thing is the upper limit of accuracy of the basic instruments.

Lin Xiao's optimization can only try to make the utilization of their instruments reach the upper limit, but it cannot raise the upper limit of the accuracy of these instruments. Raising the upper limit of the accuracy of the instruments can only improve the basic properties of the instrument.

It is equivalent to him being a top game master, operating a character with two divine costumes to fight a rookie with four divine costumes. He can defeat this rookie with his operation, but if the opponent is a rookie with six divine costumes, he can kill him with one strike. Kill him. No matter how good he is, he can't dodge their normal attacks.

Of course, they now have the opportunity to improve the upper limit of this instrument, which is the encoder technology.

Lin Xiao originally studied the eight-point structure encoder for the research and development of various aspects of lithography machines. Now that they have improved the accuracy of the encoder, these accuracies can also be improved, including the previous ion beam polishing technology. As long as they improve the accuracy of their encoders, these issues won't be a problem.

Now, the research on eight-point structure encoders has entered a craze across the country. After all, anyone with a discerning eye can see that as long as this new encoder is used to develop a more precise motor, it will be a big problem for China, which has always been short of ultra-precision instruments. For the country, a lot of money can be made by then.

Of course, due to Lin Xiao's restrictions on foreign companies, those engaged in research in this area are all Chinese companies, and more are state-owned research institutions. Such a craze, those foreign companies can only watch, and have no choice but to be jealous.

Now, there are actually many encoders using eight-point structure on the market. Because these encoders have low manufacturing costs and do not require advanced sensors, they are relatively cheaper in price, so this Class encoders have also begun to occupy various related markets, such as the elevator market and some medium and low-precision servo motor markets.

As for the high-precision servo motor, it is still under research, but it is just considering how to better embed the eight-point structure into the original structure, and the difficulty is not high.

Servo motor encoders such as double worktables are also under active development.

As long as these encoders are developed, all problems will be solved.

…

The time has come for August.

August is a good month. This month, the first phase of Lin Xiao's research institute project was finally completed.

The research institute is called Dingguang Research Institute, which is under the name of Dingguang Technology Company. It is a national asset and is directly under the leadership of the leader. The director is Lin Xiao.

Therefore, its control belongs entirely to Lin Xiao.

The first phase of the project is mainly for physics laboratories and chemical laboratories. After several months of procurement, the relevant instruments have basically arrived. Except for some important precision instruments, which will take a certain amount of time, such as scanning electron microscopes and so on. Because the instruments are relatively sophisticated and expensive, the suppliers also need some time to manufacture them.

Of course, after the establishment of the research institute, recruitment will naturally be inevitable.

The postdocs in materials science that Lin Xiao had poached from Peking University before joined the institute without any surprise. In addition, there were also some people who came here because of their fame, including some well-known figures in the industry.

"Shen Nan? You were the general manager of Anji Technology before? Why do you want to come to our research institute?"

In a conference room in the research institute, Lin Xiao was interviewing his own managers. He was currently interviewing the deputy administrative director of the Chemistry Department, responsible for administrative affairs.

The current interviewer is the former general manager of Anji Technology, a leading domestic polishing fluid company.

Shen Nan said: "My original company is a little content with the status quo, so I want to join Professor Lin's team."

"I have a PhD in Materials Science from NPU and an MBA from NJTU. I have some experience in experimental research and administrative affairs management."

“I led the development of Anji Company’s existing cerium oxide CMP polishing fluid.”

"In addition, I also have some experience in other photolithography materials, including photoresist, etc. I have also done research on them before."

Shen Nan introduced his advantages, and Lin Xiao nodded. Regardless of his academic qualifications or his work resume, he was considered outstanding among all the applicants.

"However, our salary is not higher than your salary as general manager."

Lin Xiao said at this time.

Shen Nan smiled and said: "Of course I have never considered the salary issue since I came here."

Moreover, although he left Anji Technology, he still had shares in Anji Technology. So after leaving Anji Technology, he sold these shares. Now he has a net worth of hundreds of millions. When he came to Dingguang Research Institute, he In other words, it is just for the needs of self-realization.

Of course, he didn't say anything about this. After all, there was no need to say it.

Lin Xiao nodded and said, "Okay, Mr. Shen, that's it. Just go back and wait for the news."

"OK."

Shen Nan nodded, then stood up and left.

Lin Xiao then continued to interview the next person.

After several days of interviews, the first batch of recruitment work was completed, including Shen Nan, who also successfully served as the deputy administrative director of the Chemistry Department.

With his own research institute and people, Lin Xiao would no longer have to use other people's laboratories if he wanted to conduct experiments in the future.

For him, this was quite easy.

But obviously, August was not the only thing that completed the first phase of the institute's project.

The first batch of production lines for polishing fluids and polishing discs were officially completed and production of their new polishing discs and polishing fluids began at full speed.

Soon, the first batch of goods was officially delivered, and the buyer was Shanghai Silicon Industry.

The silicon industry has already upgraded their existing production lines, and now they are waiting for the arrival of these materials.

The first batch of materials can support their production volume for two months, and with this batch of materials, the silicon wafer production speed of the silicon industry will reach full speed.

"Mr. Yu! We can now receive an additional order of 500,000 pieces per month! The output has increased to 2.6 times of the original! And our yield rate has also been greatly improved!"

After careful calculations by the technical staff, Yu Jiancheng's secretary told him the extremely surprising news.

Upon hearing the news, Yu Jiancheng's eyes widened.

All their previous production lines combined could only produce 300,000 pieces per month, or about 3.6 million pieces a year.

As a result, they are now able to receive an additional order of 500,000 pieces per month?

This is the reason why their expanded production line has not yet been completed. After all, the time required to build a new production line and upgrade a production line is different. If all the twenty production lines they are still expanding are completed, then they will not be able to produce directly every month. More than one million pieces?

That’s more than 10 million pieces a year!

This kind of output is completely among the first-class manufacturers in the world's silicon wafer production factories!

As long as they continue to expand more production lines, it is not impossible to directly capture 10% or 20% of the world's market in the future.

Of course, what you need to know is that the world's annual demand for 12-inch silicon wafers reaches hundreds of millions. Even if the annual output exceeds 10 million, it is not high in terms of total demand, but at least he sees hope.

Thinking of this, Yu Jiancheng was so excited that he probably didn't even know how to describe it.

He was also extremely lucky. Fortunately, they were the first ones to cooperate with Lin Xiao and could enjoy the two batches of new polishing materials first. Otherwise, this kind of thing might not be their turn!

He couldn't help but clasping his hands together and bowing to the north.

Professor Lin, awesome!

Then, he immediately said: "Announce this news to me immediately and occupy the market as soon as possible. There has been a shortage of silicon wafers in the past few years. This is our opportunity!"

"By the way, just hold a press conference! Find more media, both domestic and foreign!"

"yes!"

The secretary also responded excitedly and went to do it immediately.

A few days later, the news spread, and foreign silicon wafer manufacturers were shocked.

After a technological breakthrough, Chinese manufacturers actually achieved more than doubling their monthly output?

This was incredible to them all!