Samsung Electronics is set to revamp its production strategy by outsourcing the manufacturing of low-end photomasks and intensifying its focus on high-end lithography technology. The company is currently in the process of evaluating potential partners, including Japan's Tekscend Photomask and the United States' PKL, with the anticipation of concluding this evaluation by the third quarter. This strategic move marks a transition for Samsung from a self-reliant production model to a more agile approach, necessitated by aging equipment and evolving technological requirements. Photomasks are indispensable components in semiconductor manufacturing, with EUV photomasks tailored for cutting-edge processes, while i-line and KrF photomasks are predominantly used for mature nodes.
