South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics is reportedly developing a new approach that combines quantum computing and artificial intelligence to improve one of the most critical stages of semiconductor production: photolithography.
The initiative is being led by Samsung SDS, the group’s information technology and services arm. The project aims to simulate and optimize lithography processes using advanced computing models, potentially improving precision and efficiency in chip fabrication.
According to reports, Samsung plans to conduct a proof of concept in the second half of 2026, after which the system could be integrated into Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor manufacturing operations if it proves successful.
Photolithography is a core process in chip production where extremely small circuit patterns are transferred onto silicon wafers using light. These patterns form the foundation of modern semiconductors, determining how powerful and efficient chips will be.
The process depends heavily on highly advanced lithography scanners, such as those produced by ASML. These machines project circuit designs through photomasks onto light-sensitive layers on wafers, enabling the creation of nanometer-scale structures required for modern chips.
Because photolithography directly impacts chip density and yield, even minor improvements in accuracy can have a significant effect on semiconductor performance and production efficiency. Density refers to how many transistors can be packed into a chip, while yield refers to the number of usable chips produced from each wafer.
By integrating quantum computing with AI-driven modeling, Samsung aims to enhance simulation capabilities, reduce errors in chip design, and optimize manufacturing processes that are increasingly approaching physical limits at the nanoscale.
If successful, the initiative could represent a major step forward in semiconductor innovation, helping manufacturers improve performance while managing the rising complexity of advanced chip nodes.
The development also reflects a broader industry trend, where leading technology companies are exploring quantum computing as a tool to solve highly complex engineering problems that traditional computing struggles to handle efficiently.
