ASML provides litho tool for really tiny processors

SEMICONDUCTOR KIT maker ASML said it's started shipping a lithography system which will be able to produce 36.5 nanometre lines on chips.

Although it would not reveal the name of its customers, ASML said it's had "multiple order" for the the XT 1900i and systems will ship this year.

The XT 1900i puts liquid between silicon wafer and lens to improve the quality of an image printed on a chip, rather than using dry imaging.

The kit will process 131 wafers an hour. µ

* ASML turned in sales of €935 million for its Q2 financial quarter, compared to €942 million for the same period last year - its net profit for the quarter was €161 million compared to net profit last year of €167 million. The CEO described the quarter as challing for the semiconductor industry.