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Helium Supply Shortage Threatens U.S. Semiconductors & Medical Imaging

F

Fred Chen

Moderator

Besides the current concerns on neon supply, the already ongoing crisis regarding helium shouldn't be forgotten either. Russia is certainly keenly aware of its demand: https://cen.acs.org/business/Helium-short-supply-again/100/i6

For reference, helium is used in the EUV lithography source (CO2 laser), e.g., https://www.laserfocusworld.com/ind...le/14215854/selecting-co2-laser-gas-equipment

It's already in common use for backside cooling, in MRI, even in hard drives.
 
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Fred Chen said:

Besides the current concerns on neon supply, the already ongoing crisis regarding helium shouldn't be forgotten either. Russia is certainly keenly aware of its demand: https://cen.acs.org/business/Helium-short-supply-again/100/i6

For reference, helium is used in the EUV lithography source (CO2 laser), e.g., https://www.laserfocusworld.com/ind...le/14215854/selecting-co2-laser-gas-equipment

It's already in common use for backside cooling, and in MRI.
Click to expand...
Compare to the neon shortage, the worldwide helium supply is in a very different situation. Originally Russia has a potential to become a major helium supplier in 2022/2023, but the Russian invasion into Ukraine has killed this possibility.

US and Qatar supply more than 70% (US 50%, Qatar 21% - 25%) in worldwide helium market. The US Federal Strategic Helium Reserve program in Amarillo, Texas provides about 40% of US helium output. Some production problems at this program's Cliffside Gas Plant are hindering the US supply. But eventually it should get back to normal production in the coming months. Overall the Helium worldwide supply will be tight but it should not reach the level to stop semiconductor manufacturing operations.

Some introduction about the Strategic Helium Reserve:
 
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