Nikon 2000 Annual Report Download - page 8

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BUSINESS RESULTS
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, healthy sales of steppers contributed to a 33.0% rise in divisional
sales to ¥221,513 million. This produced operating income of ¥9,522 million.
SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING-RELATED EQUIPMENT
Surging demand for semiconductors used in mobile telephones and advanced video game consoles helped
the semiconductor market stage a sharp recovery in the second half of the year. All the major
semiconductor manufacturers quickly raised capital investment levels to increase their production capacity
for both the latest and next-generation integrated circuits (ICs). In response, Nikon also boosted production
capacity in relation to steppers.
The division worked to expand sales of main stepper models, such as the NSR-S203B and NSR-S204B
Step-and-Repeat KrF Excimer Scanning Systems. These are superior to earlier generations in their ability to
mass manufacture ICs with ultra-high-precision circuitry–specifically, sub-0.18µm minimum-pattern linewidth.
In tandem, Nikon promoted the NSR-S302A Step-and-Repeat ArF Excimer Scanning Systems, which are
able to produce ICs with finer patterns for R&D applications. The division also began taking orders for the
newly developed NSR-SF100 i-line stepper. Used in combination with excimer steppers, this machine can
contribute to higher overall manufacturing productivity.
In flat-panel display exposure systems, Nikon adapted our products to handle a broader variety of LCD
panels and larger panel sizes. Sales in this segment increased as a result of continued strong capital
investment by overseas LCD panel manufacturers.
A rationalization of the product lineup reduced sales of IC inspection systems. However, Nikon also started
taking orders for the NRM-1000 model, which combines inspection functions with the ability to monitor and
manage lithographic precision with the latest IC devices. This advanced capability results in higher precision
and throughput for chip manufacturers.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS: INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTS
6