86: Chapter 86 The Lithography Machine Makes its Debut!

Chen Fan returned to his office, locked the door, and summoned Xiao Zhi.

"Xiao Zhi, retrieve all public technical data, structural diagrams, and core difficulties regarding EUV Photolithography Machines, as well as the performance parameters of the most advanced international models currently available."

"Master, this task involves extreme complexity. EUV photolithography involves dozens of cutting-edge fields such as ultra-precision optics, ultra-high vacuum, extreme ultraviolet light sources, and nanometer-level control," Xiao Zhi analyzed calmly. "The required volume of knowledge infusion is... immense."

"Knowledge infusion is not a problem." Chen Fan's eyes were firm. "Immediately begin organizing and deducing; I need to master all key points in the shortest time possible. Additionally, look for domestic targets that might possess old photolithography machines slated for decommissioning."

"Yes, Master." Xiao Zhi's computing core ran at full speed.

Over the next two days, Chen Fan barely slept or ate. With Xiao Zhi's help, Lin Hao utilized all his connections and channels to finally find a dusty, early-model Stepper Photolithography Machine in the corner of a warehouse belonging to a failing, old-brand electronic research institute in the north. It had been decommissioned and out of use for nearly twenty years, with an ancient model and performance lagging several generations behind current mainstream standards. Since it was obsolete and essentially scrap metal, Lin Hao acquired it at scrap prices. He secretly transported it back to Shanghai overnight inside another space jade pendant and sent it into the Panshi Foundation underground laboratory.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan once again donned the "God's Revelation" helmet. This time, a massive influx of profound and obscure knowledge in optical engineering, laser physics, precision machinery, and control theory surged in, nearly bursting his brain. Sweat soaked his clothes and his temples throbbed, but he gritted his teeth and endured, cramming all the knowledge into his mind.

When that dust-covered and rusted photolithography machine was placed in the center of the laboratory, Chen Fan's face was as pale as paper, but his eyes burned with two terrifying flames.

He walked to the machine and gently pressed his palm against the cold, rough metal casing that bore the marks of time.

In his mind, the complete design for a "Ultra-High Performance Hybrid Photolithography Machine"—deduced by Xiao Zhi by merging existing technical theories with Amplification possibilities—along with the vast knowledge base he had just forcibly infused, surfaced clearly.

"Amplification..." Chen Fan closed his eyes, his spiritual power probing every corner of this old machine like the finest surgical scalpel and furnace. "Target: Matter restructuring and conceptual leap! Use the existing framework as a foundation to break through principle limitations! Grant it a stable and efficient extreme ultraviolet light source generation and collection system, a dual-workpiece stage and measurement system with atomic-level precision, and an intelligent control core adaptable to various process nodes... Performance goal: Match the first-generation level of international mainstream EUV Photolithography Machines in key indicators!"

This was the most complex and technologically advanced item he had attempted to amplify to date. The consumption of spiritual power was like opening a floodgate, instantly draining his physical strength. His vision blurred, and a trace of blood even seeped from his nostrils. But with a surge of ruthlessness and tenacious will, he held on desperately!

The laboratory was silent, save for Chen Fan's heavy breathing that sounded like a bellows. A mercury-like luster began to flow across the surface of the old photolithography machine, and extremely faint "clicks" and low hums—as if precision clockwork was starting to turn—emanated from within.

A full four hours passed.

When Chen Fan was nearly exhausted and could only stand by leaning against the machine, the sight before him caused his tired eyes to suddenly snap wide open.

The clunky, old antique had vanished. In its place was a streamlined, silver-white device full of futuristic technology. Its volume had shrunk by nearly a third compared to the original; its structure was compact and elegant, its surface smooth as a mirror, and various sensor probes and observation windows were arranged in an orderly fashion. Although it bore no logo, an aura of precision, high-end quality, and powerful energy hit him in the face.

Forcing himself to stay upright, Chen Fan initiated the preliminary self-test procedure according to the knowledge in his mind.

A low, steady operating sound came from inside the device, and several indicator lights glowed with a soft green light. On the connected external detection terminal, data began to scroll like a waterfall.

Light source wavelength: 13.5 nanometers (Extreme Ultraviolet band) — Stable!

Workpiece stage positioning accuracy: Better than 0.1 nanometers — Met standard!

Overlay accuracy: Reached expected threshold — Passed!

...One key indicator after another flashed by, all pointing to a shocking fact: the comprehensive performance of this photolithography machine, amplified from "scrap metal," was now firmly within the top tier of global semiconductor manufacturing! While it might be slightly inferior to the most advanced models, it was sufficient to produce 7-nanometer or even more advanced process chips!

"It's done..." Chen Fan said in a raspy voice, revealing an exhausted yet incredibly brilliant smile. A national treasure worth over 200 million USD—and one that money couldn't even buy—had been born in his hands!

Lin Hao supported the weakened Chen Fan and handed him a bottle of Mind-Clearing and Spirit-Stabilizing Water. When he saw the brand-new equipment and the dizzying data on the detection terminal, he stood frozen in place.

"This... this... this is..."

"This is our bargaining chip for a comeback." Chen Fan's voice was weak but carried a firm strength. "Contact Fu Dong, contact Engineer Li from Keyu, contact all the national-level research institutes and key enterprises we can reach that have an urgent need for high-end chips but are restricted by others... Spread the word that Fanxing Technology has made an unexpected major breakthrough in the field of precision manufacturing and 'accidentally' acquired an 'excellent performance' second-hand photolithography machine. We are looking for partners through 'collaborative R&D' or 'priority usage rights'."

He took a breath and continued, "Don't sell it directly; trade it! Trade it for long-term, massive chip foundry orders! Trade it for strategic investment and equity! Trade it for them to step forward and help us stabilize the banks and settle the supply chain! Set the price high!"

Lin Hao instantly understood Chen Fan's intention, and his heart began to pound wildly. This wasn't just a machine; it was a trump card—a trump card that could break the deadlock, leverage massive resources, and even change the industry landscape!

"I understand! I'll get on it immediately!" Lin Hao's voice trembled with excitement.

Chen Fan leaned against the wall and slowly slid down to sit on the floor, looking at the device emitting a cold silver light with deep eyes.

Long Zaitian, you want to use the capital chain to strangle me? Then I will use a technological nuclear bomb to blast open a path to the heavens!

With the photolithography machine in hand, not only can the current crisis be resolved, but the Spark Alliance will gain an unprecedentedly stable backing, and Fanxing Technology's industrial layout will truly enter the core realm of national treasures!

In this financial war of attrition, the offensive and defensive positions are about to flip.

Just one day after Chen Fan sent out the information regarding the photolithography machine, his phone vibrated with an unfamiliar number. He hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Is this Mr. Chen Fan?" A steady middle-aged male voice spoke on the other end. "I am from the Equipment Industry Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. We've noticed some interesting technical progress from your company, especially the 'Xuanniao' material... I wonder if it would be convenient for Mr. Chen to visit Kyoto in the near future? We have some matters concerning the national high-end manufacturing development strategy that we'd like to discuss with you in person."

Chen Fan held the phone, slightly stunned. It seemed the light that would break the stalemate was coming even faster than he had anticipated.