[Peace&Chips] Semiconductor, What Is Your Name

Meeting Topic Between Korean and Dutch Leaders: 'Semiconductors'
Semiconductors Transform from Insulators to Conductors by Adding Heat and Light
Several Months Required from 8 Major Processes to Semiconductor Production
Importance of Establishing a Supply Chain Ecosystem

Editor's NoteSemiconductors. We hear about them every day, but when it comes to explaining the concept, it's hard to find the words. They are called the rice of modern industry, so it's something you can't afford not to know. However, articles and books about semiconductors tend to be difficult, making them hard to approach. But did you know that semiconductors are actually quite fascinating? Even a single semiconductor component contains the mechanisms of the entire industry and the interests of nations. Peace and Chips will serve you the hidden contexts and meanings of the somewhat uncomfortable semiconductor field. Just place your spoon on it.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Pyeonghwa] Last week, when the leaders of Korea and the Netherlands met, semiconductors emerged as a key topic of cooperation between the two countries. Korea has Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have strengths in semiconductor production, while the Netherlands is home to ASML, which manufactures lithography equipment essential for advanced processes. This means there are many elements for synergy in this core area of economic security. Although we've heard that semiconductors are important, they have now become an indispensable topic in discussions between countries. What exactly is it about semiconductors that makes them such a hot topic?

Let's start by breaking down the name semiconductor. "When I called his name, he came to me and became a flower." Just like the phrase from poet Kim Chunsu's poem "Flower," knowing the name can be the beginning of a relationship (?).

The word semiconductor uses the characters 'ban ban (半)' meaning half, 'indo do (導)' meaning to guide, and 'mom che (體)' meaning body. It is named so because it has properties between a conductor and an insulator. The English term "semiconductor" combines the prefix "semi," meaning half, with "conductor." Solid materials are classified into three types based on electrical conductivity: conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. Since conductors are materials that conduct electricity or heat well, insulators, with the prefix "bu (不)" meaning not, are the opposite. Silver, copper, and aluminum are conductors, while glass, quartz, and diamond are insulators.

Semiconductors behave as insulators but become conductors under certain conditions. They do not conduct electricity at low temperatures but do at high temperatures. Their electrical conductivity also increases when impurities such as light or heat are added. Silicon (Si), frequently mentioned in semiconductor articles, is the representative material. In the past, germanium (Ge) was used, but due to its drawbacks, silicon took its place as a better alternative.

With technological advancements, semiconductors have become indispensable products in modern industry, but their manufacturing process is not easy. Semiconductors are made through eight major processes including wafer fabrication, oxidation, photolithography, and etching. It takes several months to produce a single semiconductor chip the size of a fingernail. As an advanced technology field, not only semiconductor manufacturers but also wafer producers and equipment companies involved in advanced processes must all work hard.

Because of this, while supply chains are important in any industry, the semiconductor industry is especially recognized for the critical importance of its supply chain. This is why our government is raising cooperation with the Netherlands, which specializes in the equipment industry, with even the president taking part. The equipment supplied by ASML is a core device that enables advanced processes, making it even more important. We hope this cooperation discussion will greatly benefit domestic companies.