{
  "id": 8236692,
  "title": "ASML snubs Elon Musk-backed particle accelerator chipmaking tech — firm doubles down on 1,000W laser-produced plasma systems for chipmaking tools",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/asml-snubs-elon-musk-backed-particle-accelerator-chipmaking-tech-firm",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-18T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Hardware",
    "slug": "tom-s-hardware",
    "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/asml-snubs-elon-musk-backed-particle-accelerator-chipmaking-tech-firm-doubles-down-on-1-000w-laser-produced-plasma-systems-for-chipmaking-tools"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ASML, the sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools, has decided against integrating Elon Musk's proposed particle accelerator technology for chipmaking. Instead, the firm is heavily investing in its laser-produced plasma (LPP) systems, which are already powering most chipmaking tools. JPMorgan analysts believe ASML sees no need to switch to a Free-Electron Laser (FEL) system, despite the technology's backing by Musk. LPP technology involves firing powerful CO₂ laser pulses at tiny droplets of molten tin, which generates EUV radiation that is essential for manufacturing microchips. ASML has been steadily increasing the power of its LPP light sources, with plans to reach 1000W in the next few years. Additionally, the company aims to double the number of tin droplets produced to 100,000 per second. On the other hand, FEL technology relies on a highly complex particle accelerator system, which would make it difficult to achieve the same level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness as LPP systems. While FEL has garnered significant interest in countries like China, the U.S., and Japan, ASML remains confident in its LPP technology and its ability to meet the demanding requirements of semiconductor manufacturing.",
  "summary": "With progress that ASML makes with its LPP EUV light sources for its scanners, the company is barely interesting in adopting particle accelerator-based FEL sources.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}