Intel Expands Photomask Operations
Intel has broken ground on a new photomask manufacturing facility in California
By Mark LaPedus
Intel has broken ground on a new photomask manufacturing facility in Santa Clara, Calif.
The new facility will expand Intel’s existing photomask manufacturing operations at the Bowers Campus in Santa Clara. For several years, the company’s internal mask-making unit--Intel Mask Operations (IMO)--has been producing masks at the Bowers Campus.
IMO’s new facility at the Bowers Campus is expected to be a 107,000-square-foot operation. At some point in the future, the new facility will make leading-edge photomasks for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography.
Photomasks, sometimes called masks or reticles, are an important part of the semiconductor manufacturing process. Masks are a critical step in chip production, as they transfer circuit patterns onto silicon wafers, according to Intel.
Nonetheless, besides Santa Clara, IMO also manufactures masks at a facility in Hillsboro, Ore. IMO mainly manufactures photomasks for Intel’s internal requirements. IMO also makes masks for Intel’s foundry unit.
IMO builds a wide range of masks spanning the 32nm to 1.4nm nodes. The unit builds EUV masks, including reticles for low- and high-NA EUV.
“Santa Clara has been home to some of Intel’s most important manufacturing innovations for decades. By expanding the Bowers campus mask operations, we’re strengthening a critical capability that supports advanced process technology production around the world and reinforces Intel Foundry’s commitment to advancing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing leadership,” said Frank Abboud, vice president of Intel Foundry and general manager of IMO.
Intel celebrated the expansion of its operations at its Mask Operations facility on Bowers Avenue in Santa Clara. The event brought together Intel’s executives, employees, suppliers and local officials. Left to right in the photo: Lisa Gillmor (Santa Clara Mayor), Naga Chandrasekaran (EVP Intel Foundry), Lip-Bu Tan (Intel CEO), Frank Abboud (VP Intel Foundry, GM IMO) and Clay Haden (Skanska USA Building President) Source: Intel