An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching system is a type of plasma etching method that rely on an RF powered magnetic field for plasma formation. This plasma is further employed for the etching of different types of materials like metals, polymers, dielectrics, semiconductors and many more. In an ICP etching system the sample or the substrate is loaded into the vacuum chamber where the plasma is formed. In the plasma, the positive ions are highly energized and when directed towards the surface of the substrate material, they only etch material that is required, leaving fine patterns that are important for the formation of ICs, MEMS, semiconductors, and complex electronic components.
The main application of ICP etching systems is in its capacity to generate high
density plasma while allowing for fine control in etching, thereby creating
microstructures with dense patterns on the substrate without damaging the
material. This technology is highly essential in any etching processes that
involve large feature sizes or any patterning processes that require small
features sizes and high aspect ratios like in semiconductors, nanotechnology,
metals, and advanced materials. The global ICP etching system Market has
witnessed robust growth over the past decade, driven by the increasing demand
for miniaturized electronic devices, advancements in semiconductor technology,
and the rising adoption of plasma etching systems in various industries. ICP etching
systems are integral to the manufacturing of semiconductors, MEMS, and other
advanced electronic components.
The ICP etching system market is anticipated to reach USD XXX.X million by 2034 from USD XXX.X million in 2023, at a CAGR of XX.X% during the forecast period 2024-2034.
The semiconductor industry is at the forefront of
technological innovation, with continuous advancements in manufacturing
processes. The transition towards smaller and more efficient microchips has
necessitated the use of ICP etching systems, which offer high precision and
control. Moreover, as industries continue to push the boundaries of technology,
the demand for ICP etching systems is expected to grow, particularly in regions
such as North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, which is expected to further
boost the ICP etching system market during the forecast period 2024-2034.
Growth
Drivers:
The semiconductor industry
supports all electronics today starting from smart phones, computers to
numerous other digital technologies. The thrust for increasing the
functionality and miniaturizing electronic gadgets and appliances that are
power efficient is fueling the development of superior semiconductors. For
instance, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), the global
semiconductor industry sales accounted for USD 149.9 billion during the second
quarter of 2024, an increase of 18.3% compared to the second quarter of 2023
and 6.5% more than the first quarter of 2024. In addition, increased
establishment of semiconductor fabrication plants across the world especially
in Asia-Pacific and North America region continues to boost the demand for ICP
etching systems.
Originally the semiconductor
industry used a major part of ICP etching systems, however, other industries began
to use it more frequently because of its accuracy and applicability. The proven
practical ICP etching extensions into MEMS, nanofabrication, and photonics, are
particularly recognized as the growth stimulants for the global market. For
instance, increasing incorporation of MEMS in automobiles, healthcare and
consumer electronics is a key factor expected to boost demand for ICP etching
systems. Micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) consist of sensors, actuating
devices and micro structures that need precise and controlled etching to make
it suitable for the specific application.
The consistently advancing nature
of the etching technology has been a major market driving force for the ICP
etching system market. The manufacturers are always keen on coming up with
better etching systems that can segregate the materials better to meet the
increasing needs of the semiconductors. Probably one of the most important
development in ICP etching is the high aspect ratio etching that is necessary
for creating deep trench and via in semiconductor VLSI devices. More
specifically, as semiconductor structures like 3D NAND memory are being further
developed, the need for ICP etching systems rises significantly.
ICP Etching System Segmentation:
By Type:
·
Planar ICP
Source
·
Cylindrical
ICP Source
·
Beamed ICP
Source
·
Others
By Loading Type:
·
Open-Load ICP Etching Systems
·
Load-Lock ICP Etching Systems
·
Others
By Sales Channel:
·
Up to 50 mm
·
Up to 200 mm
·
Others
By Application:
·
Semiconductors
·
LED
·
MEMS
Fabrication
·
Metals
·
Polymers
·
Others
By End-Users:
·
Semiconductor
Industry
·
Electrical
& Electronics Industry
·
Foundries
·
Integrated
Device Manufacturers (IDM)
·
Research
Institutions
·
Others
By Region:
·
North America
·
Europe
·
Asia Pacific
·
Latin America
·
Middle East
and Africa
ICP Etching System Market by Type Review:
Based on the type, the ICP Etching System market is segmented into four segments including planar ICP source, cylindrical ICP source, beamed ICP source, and others. On the basis of type, the planar ICP source segment is expected to dominate the market in terms of market share, while the cylindrical ICP source segment is predicted to grow at the highest rate in terms of CAGR during the forecast period.
ICP
Etching System Market by Loading Type Review:
Based on the loading type, the
market is segmented into open-load ICP etching systems, load-lock ICP etching
systems, and others. On the basis of loading type, the load-lock ICP etching
systems segment is expected to be the largest in terms of market share, while
the segment is also predicted to grow at the highest rate in terms of CAGR
during the forecast period.
ICP
Etching System Market by Processing Size Review:
Based on the processing size, the
market is segmented into up to 50 mm, up to 200 mm, and others. On the basis of
processing size, the up to 200 mm segment is expected to be the largest in
terms of market share, while the others segment is predicted to grow at the
highest rate in terms of CAGR during the forecast period.
ICP
Etching System Market by Application Review:
Based on the application, the
market is segmented into semiconductors, LED, MEMS fabrication, metals,
polymers, and others. On the basis of application, the semiconductor segment is
expected to be the largest in terms of market share, while the MEMS fabrication
segment is predicted to grow at the highest rate in terms of CAGR during the
forecast period.
ICP
Etching System Market by End-Users Review:
Based on the end-users, the market
is segmented into semiconductor industry, electrical & electronics industry,
foundries, integrated device manufacturers (IDM), research institutions, and
others. On the basis of end-users, the semiconductor industry segment is
expected to be the largest in terms of market share, while the research
institutions segment is predicted to grow at the highest rate in terms of CAGR
during the forecast period.
Regional
Outlook:
The ICP etching system market research report offers
detailed analysis and forecasts for five major regions i.e., North America,
Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa.
The Asia Pacific region is forecasted to maintain its
dominant position in the global ICP etching system market, accounting for a
projected market share of XX.X% in 2023. The regional ICP etching system market
is mainly attributed to ICP’s major application in the semiconductor field,
accelerating industrialization and the growing consumer electronics market.
Significant advancements in this region owe to its technological infrastructure
and colossal support from the government and investments in high-tech
industries that have effectively and efficiently established this region as a
leading manufacturer and developer of ICP etching systems. Furthermore, the
growth of the consumer electronics industry and the rising uses of
technological advancements, including 5G networks, IoT, and AI, is anticipated
to fuel the ICP etching system market in the Asia Pacific region in the
forecast period of 2024-2034.
The Asia Pacific region is home to some of the largest and
technologically most advanced semiconductor production regions such as Taiwan,
South Korea, Japan, and China. They are the dominant players in the
semiconductor manufacturing as well as technologies, positioning Asia Pacific
as a strategic market for the ICP etching system.
Demand for ICP etching systems is being fueled by large
capital investments in semiconductor manufacturing facilities and technology
enhancement. These investments are evidence of the region’s desire to continue
to be at the cutting edge in the global semiconductor market. Moreover, the
government supporting policies and policies regard as incentives boost the
production of semiconductor and thus contributes to the market growth. For
instance, the Chinese strategy ‘Made in China 2025’, which involves increasing
local manufacturing of semiconductors, would require the use of more advanced
etching equipment’s.
Moreover, advancements in etching solutions such as increased accuracy, regulation, and effectiveness, improving the performance of ICP etching systems, which is expected to further boost the market growth in the region during the forecast period 2024-2034.
The major countries within the North American ICP etching
system market include the United States and Canada. The dominance of the semiconductor
manufacturing, highly developed R&D base in the region and early adoption
of new technologies are the main factors stimulating the market growth. The
North America region comprises of key semiconductor manufacturing companies
like Intel, AMD and Qualcomm which increases the need for innovative ICP
etching systems. Further, huge investments in 5G network and advanced
electronics create a higher demand for semiconductor in the region, which is
anticipated to propagate the growth of the market in the region during the forecast
period of 2024-2034.
Key
Companies in ICP
Etching System Market:
The research report offers a competitive analysis of
prominent companies operating in the global ICP etching system market. Some of
the leading players profiled in the market research report include:
·
Tokyo Electron Limited
·
Oxford Instruments
·
Panasonic Holdings Corporation
·
LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
·
Applied Materials, Inc.
·
Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
·
SPTS Technologies Ltd.
·
Plasma-Therm
·
Samco, Inc.
·
GigaLane Co., Ltd.
· Other Player’s
