Waferpedia

Nikon

SF 200

LithographyNikon SF 200 family
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The Nikon SF 200 is an 8-inch wafer scanner with 0.18 µm resolution. The Nikon SF 200 uses a Komatsu laser and supports 6-inch reticles with a maximum exposure field of 26mm x 33mm.[1]

SF 200 — Inventory photo
Fig. 01SF 200Inventory photo[1]
  • Plate 01Nikon Scanner Super Coolscan 4000 ED w Slide Feeder SF-200(S)

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Performance

LSA, FIA[1]

Optics

Komatsu[1]

What it is

General reference — not yet source-verified

The Nikon SF 200 is a deep-ultraviolet step-and-scan lithography system. The system is designed for critical layer patterning in semiconductor manufacturing.

How it works

General reference — not yet source-verified

The Nikon SF 200 is a step-and-scan system that synchronously moves the reticle and wafer during exposure. A slit-shaped illumination field scans across the reticle, projecting the patterned image onto the wafer. The system uses an excimer laser as the light source. The deep-ultraviolet wavelength enables fine feature resolution.

Where it fits in the process flow

General reference — not yet source-verified

The SF 200 is used in the lithography step of semiconductor fabrication, where photoresist-coated wafers are exposed to define circuit patterns. The SF 200 is typically employed for critical layers that require high resolution and overlay accuracy. In the process flow, the tool follows wafer cleaning and coating steps and precedes etching and deposition stages.

What do the numbers mean?

Wafer handling2

Wafer loader type
type 3, NC Pre2[1]
Accurate?
Wafer sizes
8 inch[1]
Accurate?

Optics & imaging5

Laser
Komatsu[1]
Accurate?
Resolution
0.18um[1]
Accurate?
Reticle size
6"[1]
Accurate?
Reticle library
Nikon standard (9 slot)[1]
Accurate?
Reticle size
6 inch[1]
Accurate?

Performance1

Alignment system
LSA, FIA[1]
Accurate?

Configuration & options8

Max expose field size
26mm x 33mm[1]
Accurate?
PPD[1]
Accurate?
Bar code reader[1]
Accurate?
Inline
Left in'line[1]
Accurate?
Chamber type
S61[1]
Accurate?
PPD
Yes[1]
Accurate?
Bar code reader
Yes[1]
Accurate?
Chamber type
S61 2003 Vintage[1]
Accurate?
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Where are the manuals?

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Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Frequently asked questions

What is the fundamental principle behind photolithography?General reference — not yet source-verified

Photolithography uses light to transfer a geometric pattern from a photomask to a light-sensitive chemical (photoresist) on the wafer. The pattern is then etched into the underlying layers through subsequent processes.

How does alignment between layers work on such systems?General reference — not yet source-verified

Alignment is achieved by using optical microscopes or sensors to detect alignment marks on the wafer and the reticle. The system then precisely positions the stage to overlay the current exposure pattern onto previously formed structures.

What factors limit the resolution of a photolithography system?General reference — not yet source-verified

Resolution is primarily limited by the wavelength of the exposure light, the numerical aperture of the projection lens, and the properties of the photoresist. Shorter wavelengths and higher numerical apertures allow finer features.

Why is environmental control important in lithography?General reference — not yet source-verified

Temperature, humidity, vibration, and particulate contamination can all degrade image fidelity and overlay accuracy. Such systems are therefore operated in cleanroom environments with strict climate control.

What makes a photolithography tool suitable for mass production?General reference — not yet source-verified

Key attributes include high throughput (number of wafers processed per hour), consistent overlay accuracy across all exposures, low defect levels, and reliable operation over long periods. Automation and recipe management also contribute to production readiness.

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the SF 200 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

  • No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the SF 200 are on record.

    Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement

  • No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the SF 200 are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool

  • The control-system platform and OS era of the SF 200 are not on record.

    Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records

  • No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the SF 200 are on record.

    Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician

  • The process node or technology generation of the SF 200 is not on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report

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Sources & citations

Sources (2)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
  1. [1]Inventory photo
  2. [2]Nikon Precision Inc — nikonprecision.com (May 15, 2006)web.archive.org
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Last updated Oct 1, 2026.

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