Photomask Research Consortium Considers Austin

The photomask industry is considering a research and development group similar to Sematech and Austin, Texas has a good chance at landing the deal.

The major U.S. players in the photomask industry are trying to create a research and development consortium similar to International Sematech, which was established by chip manufacturers to promote research collaboration among the major computer chip makers. What does the photomask industry do? The industry makes equipment that allows light to pass through quartz or glass creating a pattern on a silicon wafer. That pattern can then be etched into the silicon. The process is repeated, depending on how many layers are on a wafer.

Two large U.S. companies discussing the consortium formation have major operations in the Austin area. DuPont Photomasks Inc. is based in Round Rock and Photronics Inc. employs about 120 people at its research and development and manufacturing facility in North Austin.

Other details about the project have not been released yet.

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