136: Chapter 136: 45-nanometer lithography machine built within a year?

The entire reception room was silent, save for the sound of Qin Tianlei flipping through documents.

Nearby, Li Hui, the R&D Director of Haicheng Microelectronics, couldn't help but glance at Qin Tianlei with a hint of curiosity, but that was all; he didn't pay much attention.

He knew very well how demanding the lens materials for this level of optical components were, and it was currently impossible to produce them domestically.

They were in contact with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and some of the most cutting-edge optical materials research institutes in the country; if such high-end lens materials had appeared, they would have known about it immediately.

Although Fanmi Technology was rising rapidly in the smartphone field, professions have their specialties; this level of optical material was different from civilian-grade ones, and the gap was vast.

He didn't quite believe that Zhou Fan's material could truly meet the requirements.

But gradually, as he watched Qin Tianlei's expression become increasingly serious, his heart stirred, and he became even more curious.

He was very clear about Qin Tianlei's technical capabilities; he should be able to tell very quickly whether an optical material would work or not.

But the situation was clearly off right now, and he finally couldn't help but lean in to take a look.

"The UV absorption rate is very low... the surface figure error is less than 0.1 nm, the surface roughness is 0.4 nmRMS, the expansion coefficient is very low... and it's a high thermal conductivity material..."

"These parameters..."

Looking at the material in Qin Tianlei's hand, Li Hui's eyes gradually lit up, and a monstrous wave rose in his heart; he couldn't believe it.

Qin Tianlei's speed in flipping through the documents slowed down more and more as he read very carefully, his eyes also filled with surprise, far from the calmness he displayed on the surface.

"These values... have already reached the technical specifications for 45nm Lithography Machine lenses..."

He suddenly looked up at Zhou Fan, his eyes already filled with a hint of eagerness.

"Has this material really been produced?" Even he didn't realize that his tone carried a slight tremor.

"Yes!" Zhou Fan nodded.

Receiving a definite answer, Qin Tianlei could no longer sit still. He exchanged a glance with Li Hui, and their faces were clearly filled with excitement.

"Great! With this material, we might really be able to make the lenses needed for a 45nm Lithography Machine!!"

"It's not a possibility; as long as the parameters are correct, it can definitely be done!"

Li Hui's tone was even more certain.

Both men found it somewhat unbelievable.

The young man in front of them had actually produced high-end lens material that could be used for a 45nm Lithography Machine—something that several of the country's top research institutes hadn't managed to create!

It had actually been produced by a technology company that had been established for less than a year.

It was simply incredible!

"How do you want to cooperate?"

Qin Tianlei immediately stopped hesitating. He had originally thought Zhou Fan was only skilled in software engineering, and he never expected him to be so impressive in materials science as well.

To have such shocking achievements in two completely different fields—he knew he had severely underestimated Zhou Fan's R&D capabilities.

At this moment, he clearly knew that cooperating with Fanmi Technology... no, it should be said, cooperating with Zhou Fan, was absolutely a rare opportunity for Haicheng Microelectronics!!

Hearing this, Zhou Fan smiled and didn't beat around the bush, speaking directly:

"Leave the optical components, light source technology, and the control integration system of the lithography machine to us. You are responsible for breakthroughs in other directions. Both sides will conduct in-depth technical sharing and reach a strategic cooperation!"

"Within one year, achieve a breakthrough in the 45nm process lithography machine!!"

Zhou Fan's tone was confident, and he then looked at Qin Tianlei and asked, "Can you handle your side?"

"..."

Hearing this, Qin Tianlei was a bit stunned.

Although he already acknowledged Zhou Fan's strength, making a 45nm Lithography Machine within a year sounded like a fantasy.

Especially what Zhou Fan mentioned; every single one was a core technology for a breakthrough in a lithography machine, arguably the most difficult parts.

Even with the data in front of him, he still felt it was absurd, and he was actually somewhat hesitant!

"One year, are you really sure?" It was Li Hui who could no longer suppress the excitement in his heart and blurted out subconsciously.

"As long as there are no problems on your end, I am confident!" Zhou Fan nodded gently.

Once these words were spoken, both Qin Tianlei and Li Hui fell into silence, looking at each other.

After a long while, looking at the data in his hand, Qin Tianlei took a deep breath.

"Fine, since you are confident, we naturally won't hold you back!"

"We will cooperate as you said; we will open up all our technical sharing to you, and both sides will reach a strategic cooperation!"

"We will discuss the specific cooperation details and terms in detail later, but I can promise that if you can really break through these core technologies within a year, I can apply to the higher-ups to grant you a certain amount of capital-based equity based on the value of the technical achievements!"

Having said this, Qin Tianlei felt there was nothing left to hesitate about.

If a 45nm Lithography Machine could really be built within a year, it would be an opportunity to catch up with the most advanced foreign technologies.

For Haicheng Microelectronics, and even for the entire high-end precision industry in China, this would be a huge leap forward with profound significance.

Thinking of this, his heart felt a bit heated.

"Alright, you can discuss the specific cooperation details with Director Lei; I am only responsible for the technology!"

Zhou Fan smiled and then stood up.

"Then I wish us a happy cooperation!"

"Happy cooperation!"

...

Leaving the Haicheng Microelectronics office building.

Lei Jun still felt like he was dreaming.

It had actually worked out!

Haicheng Microelectronics was the top and only lithography machine manufacturer in the country, and it had state backing; this cooperation was effectively equivalent to cooperating with the state!

His heart still couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy, and he subconsciously looked at Zhou Fan.

"One year, can we really build a 45nm Lithography Machine?"

Zhou Fan glanced at Lei Jun and smiled.

"Even if we can't do it, we must do it. We don't have much time left. Once the Pangu System and the qiankun chip are fully launched, they will inevitably touch the nerves of certain foreign giants!"

"So, only by building a 45nm Lithography Machine can we guarantee the subsequent chip supply for the fanmi mobile phone!" Lei Jun's expression became serious, and also a bit heavier.

Just in case, Fanmi had already signed an order for 20 million chips with TSMC, and plus Loongson International, there would definitely be enough chips in the short term.

But he also knew that Zhou Fan was right.

TSMC was controlled by Western countries and was ultimately unstable, and the lithography machines at Loongson International were also constrained by Western countries...

Only when Haicheng Microelectronics achieved a breakthrough in 45nm process lithography machines and completed the localization of chip manufacturing would it be the safest way.

"We cannot predict what will happen in the future, we can only prepare for the worst. One year... perhaps even that is too long!"

As he spoke, Zhou Fan had already gotten into the car. After thinking for a moment, he took out his mobile phone and dialed Chang Hongsheng's number.

To produce the optical components needed for a 45nm Lithography Machine in a short time, and to achieve a breakthrough in light source technology, he couldn't do it alone.

Equipment, personnel.

Fanmi didn't have these right now!

He had to rely on outside help.

He had already done some research beforehand; the Haicheng Institute of Optics and Machinery should have the equipment he needed.

They also had technical talent!

He wanted to try to use Chang Hongsheng's connections to borrow a laboratory from the Haicheng Institute of Optics and Machinery.

If he could succeed, at least he could produce the lenses needed for the synthetic light source first!

Then he would find a way to solve the light source technology!