Canon 2005 Annual Report Download - page 34

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32
OPTICAL AND OTHER PRODUCTS
Semiconductor production equipment and LCD production
equipment are two of the major product categories in Canon’s
Optical and Other Products segment. The segment recorded
increases in both sales and profits in 2005.
Canon’s MPA series of mirror projection aligners for large-
scale LCD panels continued to enjoy a high reputation from
users. Canon made full-scale shipments of the MPA-8000 series
for sixth and seventh generation panels in 2005, significantly
contributing to sales growth.
Due to slight overinvestment by LCD panel makers, we expect
sales of LCD production equipment to edge down in 2006, with a
market recovery in 2007 during the lead-up to the 2008 Beijing
Olympics. In 2006, we will adapt to market conditions and lever-
age our ability to lower costs, enabling us to increase profits
despite a drop-off in
sales. We will work to
develop equipment for
next generation
panels, which are
expected to go on sale
in 2007.
Steppers, which
are used to expose
circuits on silicon substrates, are Canon’s mainstay products in
the business of semiconductor production equipment. The
industry trends toward high resolution and higher speed equip-
ment will likely continue. Canon strives to manage these trends
by maximizing its in-house production expertise.
Canon has launched the FPA-6000AS4, its fastest argon
fluoride (ArF) excimer-laser scanning stepper, also featuring a
high-level numerical aperture of 0.85 and an ultra-low aberra-
tion lens system. At the top of its class, the FPA-6000AS4 is
targeted for the most advanced Large Scale Integration (LSI) and
memory mass-production.
Canon will continue to make greater developments in
advanced technologies and cutting-edge products. Maintaining
a focus on quality, we will earn the further trust of semiconduc-
tor manufacturers through innovations that meet customer
needs. We plan to launch a next-generation ArF stepper in 2006
that can be installed in half the time of current steppers. Canon
is also making strides in the development of immersion lithogra-
phy, and aims to launch sales of a stepper equipped with this
technology in 2007. Canon continues to move closer to creating
equipment that utilizes Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) light sources,
leading industry initiatives to develop key technology for next-
generation lithography.
FPA-6000AS4
Junji Ichikawa
Chief Executive, Optical Products Operations
Canon will bolster its lineup of
next-generation products in
preparation for significant
growth in semi-
conductors
and LCDs
in 2007.