Independence Day 2024 – Interesting History and Fanfare for July 4th

 2024 is proving to be an exciting year for Americans. A presidential election in November will determine future pathways for many critical issues. Many challenges lie ahead as we navigate politics, social issues, technology and its implications. Americans have always met challenge at the ballot box. What ever your persuasion, freedom of speech and our democratic principals preserve American prosperity and way of life.

As we pause to reflect on our history a recent Fox News quick quiz asked “Who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance?” The answer revealed Francis Bellamy. Most remember Francis Scott Key who wrote our national anthem but Francis Bellamy? A Wikipedia search tells the interesting story of Francis Bellamy, an American Christian socialist Baptist minister and author who wrote the original American Pledge of Allegiance. The article goes on to describe the evolution of the “Pledge” and the social/political influences behind its current verbiage.

I encourage you to read the Wikipedia article on Francis Bellamy and follow the incidental links for an enlightening history lesson. [1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Bellamy

As we celebrate the great American story this July 4th I hope you’ll enjoy the rousing music video and some great West Point history (click the link below).

[2] Fourth of July Special at West Point

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir 
(run time 28 minutes)

Have a great July 4th holiday!

Regards to all.

Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel



Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor. No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated. Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration. Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.

References and acknowledgements:

[1] Wikipedia, Francis Bellamy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Bellamy

[2] The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhoDApyIFD8     

Marking the 80th Anniversary of D - Day

Today marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day when allied forces conducted the largest amphibious landing in history to begin the end of World War II. French President Emmanuel Macron is leading a ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial with world leaders in attendance. Veterans of the war have gathered to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and recall events with their fellow survivors.

World War II was a global catastrophe but as Americans we recount our collective historic struggle for freedom. Although I’ve never served in our military I was fortunate to serve as a civilian contributing to our defense effort. Many of us in the semiconductor industry provide critical technology resources ensuring our armed forces an American advantage.

Today we celebrate the common men and women whose sacrifice ensures our freedom. I’ll leave you with appropriate fanfare. Our Mormon friends express the American spirit in a way that can make your hair stand on end (after listening even my hair stood on end). Thank a vet for your freedom today.

[1] From the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:

Fanfare for the Common Man

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Have a great weekend everyone!

Regards to all,

Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel



Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor. No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated. Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration. Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.

References and acknowledgements:

[1] From the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:

     YouTube

Fanfare for the Common Man

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Miami’s Ultra Music Festival 2024 - Your Entertainment for the Week End

 Coinciding with spring break the Ultra Music Festival returned to Miami last week, March 22 -24. Fortunately most of the festival’s performers have completed their uploads to YouTube and other media outlets in time for our arm chair viewing this weekend (see concert links below). The UMF is noteworthy for its performers and show case of state of the art technology made possible by the semiconductor and technology industries. This year the sound stage featured an enhanced high resolution video display which seemingly wrapped around the performers. The combination of video display, lighting and monstrous sound system no doubt taxed the local power grid. But Miami was prepared, power to spare.

This year the city of Miami was well prepared to manage the traditional spring break crowds, enforcing later evening curfews (to the chagrin of some). Strategic crowd control redirected many spring breakers away from Miami Beach and further north to Fort Lauderdale. The word is that the party hearty crowd camped out in Jacksonville further north along Florida’s east coast. That said, the Ultra Music Festival was one hell of a party. Although the festival’s ticket pricing and venue differentiates it from spring breakers, the UMF crowd is a mix of all ages and traditionally brings an international audience. As an international celebration of music the Ultra Music Festival is welcomed to many host cities around the world. Fortunately Miami is home to the festival every year.

A note to fellow semi industry types. Miami’s mayor, Francis X. Suarez (Miami’s 43rd) is semi industry friendly. He recognizes the silicon valley talent pool and potential synergy with Florida’s resident high technology expertise. Thinking of building a fab or high tech venture? Think Florida. There are considerable advantages for start ups here; no state income tax, and lower business taxes/expenses. Some trade offs with Silicon Valley, no earth quakes but an occasional hurricane. Alligators are sometimes encountered on golf courses and in swimming pools. Surprisingly tropical Florida resembles Silicon Valley in many ways; warm climate year round, palm trees and high technology talent.

Ready to party? You have something to do this weekend.

Go to YouTube and search for Ultra Music Festival 2024. YouTube will list all of the available performances uploaded to date. Select your favorite artist/DJ. New uploads may become available weeks after the festival so check over the next week or so.

Armin Van Buuren is a Dutch DJ and annual UMF participant. Although Dutch companies are working immigration issues to find skilled labor we’re happy Armin made it here to UMF 2024. His show begins at sunset and stretches into the evening hour (run time about 1 hour 18 min.) See Armin’s show here:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnyvzMfADm4

I won’t list all of the performances as the uploads are being updated as we speak.

For best viewing/listening: Surround sound headphones and a big screen 4K HDR display. I recommend a YouTube subscription (about $15 per month) to eliminate annoying adds.

If you need an audio volume boost try the latest FireFox browser. Below the video window on the left, click on the second icon (a lightning bolt in parentheses). This will boost audio levels (adjust yours accordingly).

The transformation of the internet and media have been remarkable. 4K video and 1 Gig network speeds are now common in most metro areas. I hope you’ll find time to enjoy the Ultra Music Festival this weekend.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Regards to all,

Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel



Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor. No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated. Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration. Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.

References and acknowledgements:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnyvzMfADm4  YouTube, Ultra Music Festival, Armin Van Buuren.

The Chips and Technology Act – I’m from the government and I’m here to help you build a wafer fab. (Updated 2/23/24)

In 1986 President Reagan warned that adverse effects could result from misdirected government policy. His famous quote is preserved in the hope of guiding future generations of Americans. [1] "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help."

Some claim American semiconductor manufacturers have lost their competitive edge in the global market place. It’s a complex market to be sure. Semi manufacturers have been evaluating foreign investment opportunities seeking over seas tax shelters but for strategic marketing and national security interests, emphasis is now being placed on US based wafer fab/foundry construction and operation. Although American technology is cutting edge, complications encountered in US wafer fab construction have been compounded by the Chips and Technology Act. Intended as an incentive for investment in the technology sector, applicants seeking Chips Act funding can incur significant barriers to program entry. Participants can experience delays in the resolution of application and compliance issues, construction schedules and the timely release of granted funding. Further delays can be incurred resolving regulatory and zoning issues, immigration policy and skilled work force/ labor union issues. Election cycles and the prevailing political climate can also impact capital amortization timing and future program cost. 

Some participants in the Chips Act program have experienced delays in the release of granted funding. Samsung’s new fab project near Taylor, Texas was scheduled to begin operation in late 2024 but has been delayed till 2025 awaiting the release of Chips Act funding and an improvement in the economy. Similarly, other fabs have been delayed (see Tom’s Hardware web site link: [2] https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/us-govts-sluggish-chips-act-payouts-slam-the-breaks-on-samsungs-fab-company-delays-mass-production-at-texas-fab-to-await-further-chips-funding-report.

A few industry pundits advocate US government intervention as a guiding force in strategic semi-industry program management. The automotive industry has already seen the unintended effect of government subsidies on electric vehicles. A glut of unsold EVs have auto manufacturers pondering a return to hybrid and gasoline vehicles until charging stations and the energy grid are complete. Auto makers will incur a huge loss in the interim. Ill advised political forces steering the Chips Act could similarly throw the semi industry out of sync. Multi $Billion delays in grant funding can result in the government defining semi market cycle timing. Given the size of the grants some may be content to await funding. The caveat: A government driven economy vs. a consumer economy.

Fabs and foundries have become multi-billion dollar projects with infrastructure and scale commensurate with the DOE. Semi industry management must be independent of undue US government influence on market strategy, finance or regulatory compliance requirements. At the same time we must consider the opportunity to secure funding on the scale required for tomorrow’s wafer fabs. Government grants are one such option provided they're in the best interest of the recipients.

Semi Industry CEOs must navigate global and financial markets with great skill and diligence. We might explore the idea of modifying the Chips Act, and to expand the transparency of program grant applications and awards. Only then can we ensure the success of capital intensive projects and their critical completion timetables.

That said, it’s important everyone understand the scale of the Chips Act and the positives/negatives of the program. I encourage you to click on this link to the Chips Act and study it in detail. It's important to comprehend it’s scope, and potential to impact the semiconductor economy.

[3] The Chips Incentive Program
https://www.nist.gov/chips/notice-funding-opportunity-commercial-fabrication-facilities

The semiconductor industry provides a strategic dual purpose product to the both the consumer and our military. American investors and capital markets have always sustained a robust and innovative US semi industry. Let’s stay the course and make sensible decisions for the future.

Regards to all,

Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel



Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor. No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated. Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration. Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.

References and acknowledgements:

[1] Excerpt, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library https://www.reaganfoundation.org/ronald-reagan/reagan-quotes-speeches/news-conference-1/

[2] Tom's Hardware
https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/us-govts-sluggish-chips-act-payouts-slam-the-breaks-on-samsungs-fab-company-delays-mass-production-at-texas-fab-to-await-further-chips-funding-report.

[3] The Chips Incentive Program, NIST
https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2023/06/23/CHIPS-Commercial%20Fabrication%20Facilities%20NOFO%20Amendment%201.pdf

A Tribute to Gordon E. Moore 1929-2023

This week the semiconductor industry mourns the passing of Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel and credited with pioneering the computer chip industry and the miraculous transformation of all things electronic. Gordon and his industry compatriots conceived and began the manufacture of the integrated circuits we’ve come to know as computer chips. In the following years industry advancements in microlithography enabled a geometric progression in computing power while continually reducing device size and cost. This geometric expansion in computing power came to be known as Moore’s Law, a concept who’s limits have been extended as physical barriers and engineering challenges have been overcome.

How might we celebrate the life and contributions of Gordon and Moore’s Law in a way that adequately portrays the transformation of our industry and global society? A tough assignment, my best response below.

A few years ago I received a consultation request from an individual seeking background and discussion/implications of Moore’s Law. I enjoy engaging conversation on semi industry matters and contemplated how to best respond. I recalled an archived YouTube presentation by Gordon Moore himself titled “Behind the Ubiquitous Microchip” which was captured by University of California Television, UCTV. In my opinion the video is priceless. The early days of the semiconductor industry are recalled by Gordon along with the concept of what we now know as Moore’s Law. Gordon tells the story with great humility and whit conveying the human side of an industry equation we’ve all come to know. In a response email I declined the requested consultation but instead included a link to Gordon’s UCTV presentation. I couldn’t have told the story better that Gordon himself. I’ve never had the honor of meeting Gordon but after viewing this video I somehow feel I know him. For years I’ve had this video posted on my YouTube channel, the only item selection under my play lists. The video, “Behind the Ubiquitous Microchip” runs about twenty eight minutes in length. If you haven’t seen it, set aside some idle time to gain valuable insight on our industry and celebrate a well deserved tribute to Gordon Moore.

We’ll miss you Gordon.

[1] Click on the link for Gordon’s video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxLnbVjKXmQ&list=PLVMW-w8WazD50xSLS0nUx8xREQCYabMqa

Regards to all,
 
Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel



Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor.  No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated.  Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration.  Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.


References and acknowledgements:

[1] YouTube, Gordon Moore, Behind the Ubiquitous Microchip”, 2006 University of California Television, UCTV. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxLnbVjKXmQ&list=PLVMW-w8WazD50xSLS0nUx8xREQCYabMqa

After a Three Year Covid Moratorium The Ultra Music Festival Returned to Miami in March 2022 - Your Weekend Assignment is to Catch Up on the Party

 The Ultra Music Festival returned to Miami in March 2022 some 90 days ago. For those unable to attend, a highly anticipated video of the festival was recently released on YouTube. After a moratorium due to the Covid epidemic, disk jockey David Guetta and a host of others returned this year to test the Miami power grid.  Guetta opened Miami's Ultra Music Festival with a multi-megawatt display of lasers, sound and excitement. Guetta’s performance (along with other veteran d-jays) wowed an audience who’d endured three years of Covid confinement. The resulting party is a must see (linked video at the bottom of this page).

Semicon West concludes this week in San Francisco. As the leading global trade show for semiconductor equipment manufacturers SEMI companies enable the consumer, entertainment and broadcast industries. I noted this phenomenon in a previous music festival blog entry from 2015, A Photonic Finish to the Year of Light 2015. [1]  As you view the 2022 music festival’s video link note the program time line at 3 minutes. With 4K resolution you can see small flashes of light emanating from within the crowd. Closer examination reveals the flashes to be multiple cell phone camera screens echoing light captured from the powerful strobes on the sound stage. I was amazed to note the resolution and sensitivity of imaging technology now available to consumers.  Pretty cool.  At 51:50 into the show an amazing laser display erupts (curious timing).

The Ultra Music Festival is an international event with attendees from all over the world. Traditionally the festival returns to Miami every year in March. The representative audience surrounding the stage is typically replete with flags from many nations.  David Guetta is from France and the tricolor is prominently displayed up front. This year our Ukrainian friends are recognized by large near-by buildings highlighted with blue and yellow light.

The 2022 Ultra Music Festival signals a return to post Covid normalcy. Viewing the video you’ll note that no one is wearing a Covid mask. In free Florida masks are optional. It’s heartening to once again see thousands of smiling faces having a great time. There were no demonstrations, violence or discouraging distractions, just one big celebration of music and unity the way the world is supposed to be.

I hope everyone had a successful week at Semicon West. Welcome home. Prop your feet up and enjoy David Guetta’s Ultra Music Festival performance. For best viewing you’ll need a large 4K display and surround sound headphones good for 20 Hz. I encourage you to sing along.  It’s a fun concert. If you search you can find several YouTube links to other artists appearing at the festival.

Be safe everyone.  Enjoy the show and have a great weekend!

Link to David Guetta at the Ultra Music Festival 2022. [2] (brief foul language comments).

Regards to all,

 
Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel



Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor.  No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated.  Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration.  Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.

References and acknowledgements:

[1] Thomas D. Jay, Blog Article

A Photonic Finish to the Year of Light 2015

[2] YouTube, David Guetta, UMF TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFIikcWbFRc&list=PLVMW-w8WazD4ff7X0ZOG5iXLi27IJKfhG&index=14

It's Time for the Next Step in EUV Evolution

ASML plans to introduce a new generation of EUV lithography systems with High-NA (high numeric aperture) capabilities. The new system design will enhance resolution but will require higher EUV power levels. Higher power levels might be achieved with current LPP (Laser Produced Plasma) source technology but further power scaling might be problematic. As nanometer scale geometries shrink further, existing complications from tin and hydrogen contamination will become more acute. Price estimates on new High-NA systems are estimated at $400-500 Million. Given the price premium, now might be an excellent time to upgrade EUV system performance with FEL (Free Electron Laser) source technology. FEL source technology could provide required power and uptime levels while eliminating tin and hydrogen contamination.

Free Electron Laser Fundamentals

Imagine that we might adjust and control a laser's wavelength using a concept similar to a radio's Variable Frequency Oscillator but with a different set of physics. By electronically tuning a laser's wavelength, we can produce EUV illumination while eliminating the need for specialized crystalline, gaseous or other lazing materials (such as tin currently used in EUV systems) and operate outside the spectral wavelength segments they are physically limited to. FEL technology can produce tunable wavelengths of light throughout the microwave, visible spectrum and x-ray regime. A free electron laser [1] is comprised of a large beamline/electron source which accelerates electrons to near the speed of light. On opposite sides of the electron beam line are interposed field coils of opposing polarity called undulators or "wigglers", which when energized establish a transverse sinusoidal field across the beam path. Electrons accelerated into the transverse field produce incoherent photons in a mixed assortment of sinusoidal wavelengths sometimes referred to as “bunches”, emitting photons at wavelengths determined by their acceleration and the transverse field strength (synchrotron radiation). By adjusting the electron beam energy or the magnetic field strength of the undulators, the wavelength of the emitted photons can be tuned selectively to produce coherent light. Variations on this concept have evolved as follows:

A Tunable SASE FEL

A SASE FEL is able to produce laser light over a broad range of spectrum without the requirement for conventional lazing materials such as ruby crystal or argon fluoride etc. In a tunable SASE (Self Amplified Spontaneous Emission) FEL, high energy source electrons passing through an undulator can produce an assortment of incoherent photons (initially at randomly different wavelengths) which become bunched in the transverse sine wave and interact via constructive or destructive interference, producing incidental derivative wavelengths (spontaneous emission). That is to say the bunched photons add and subtract their wavelength values from one another producing new sum/difference valued photons at the mathematically resulting wavelengths. When tuned to a specific wavelength of interest by adjusting the electron beam energy or the magnetic field strength of the undulators, such subsequently produced photons arrive in phase (at the same wavelength) and cumulatively intensify to release high energy coherent laser light (self amplification). While a very useful concept for a variety of applications, the spontaneous emission in a SASE FEL can propagate statistical artifacts resulting from the inherent mathematical sum/difference phenomenon, and consequently can produce a beam exhibiting limited shot to shot reproducibility. As such, the utility of a SASE FEL might be limited in applications which require extremely accurate dosimetry. The limited shot to shot reproducibility might also contribute to the dosimetry phenomenon known as “shot noise”.

A Tunable HGHG FEL

FEL performance can be modified and improved by utilizing an external seed laser as a source wavelength. The seed laser is a conventional laser utilizing a material such as ruby crystal (one example) to produce a monochromatic feed source of photons. In an HGHG (High Gain Harmonic Generation) FEL, the seed laser interacts with the electron beam as it propagates through the first undulator (called a modulator), tuned to the seed laser's wavelength. The resulting interaction with the seed laser induces coherent modulation of the electron beam energy, creating photon bunching as well as consequential harmonic propagation (photons which are the mathematical multiples of the seed laser's wavelength). The micro-bunched beam of photons are then injected into a long undulator tuned to the desired harmonic wavelength. The desired wavelength comprised of harmonically produced photons arrive in phase and cumulatively intensify to release high energy coherent light at the newer, shorter wavelength of interest. The high purity monochromatic spectra of an HGHG seed laser improves the system's shot to shot repeatability as its mode of operation does not incur the statistical deviation phenomena found in spontaneous emission spectra typically observed in a SASE FEL. As such, an HGHG FEL might be more advantageous for use in EUV applications requiring highly precise dosimetry, possibly reducing shot noise phenomenon.

The EUV Source Challenge Ahead

Large scale projects are underway to build FEL systems to accommodate a wide range of wavelengths and scientific applications. FEL is next generation laser technology and perhaps the best candidate to replace current LPP/EUV source designs. As ASML pursues High-NA system designs, higher EUV source power might be met with FEL source technology. The replacement of LPP (Laser Produced Plasma) could eliminate the process concerns with tin contamination, reactive hydrogen plasma and increase system uptime. Progress is being made on FEL designs for a wide range of applications. It’s time for the next step in EUV evolution.  [2]

Regards to all,
 
Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel



Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor.  No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated.  Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration.  Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.


References and acknowledgements:

[1] Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free-electron_laser . 

[2] Thomas D. Jay, Blog Article

https://thomasdalejay.blogspot.com/2016/06/future-euvfel-strategy-beam-line.html