China Breaks Dependence on Imports with Domestic Transmission Electron Microscopes
In a significant technological breakthrough, China has developed its first domestically produced transmission electron microscope (TEM), signaling a major step towards self-reliance in the critical semiconductor industry. The TH-F120, developed by Guangzhou-based research institute Bioland Laboratory, breaks China’s complete dependence on imported TEMs, opening new possibilities for domestic production and scientific advancement.
The TH-F120 Transmission Electron Microscope
The TH-F120 electron microscope is a state-of-the-art instrument that utilizes a beam of electrons to generate high-resolution images of extremely thin specimens. This technology is essential for developing new nanostructured semiconductor materials, the building blocks of advanced electronic devices.
The TH-F120 features a thermal emission electron gun, which produces brighter and more stable emissions compared to imported versions. This results in highly detailed images, enabling researchers to study materials at the atomic level.
Context and Significance
The development of domestic TEMs holds strategic importance for China, particularly in light of the ongoing US-China science and technology competition and the global semiconductor chip shortage. In 2018, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology listed TEM microscopes as one of the 35 “stranglehold” or “choke point” technologies that the country needed to develop domestically.
The urgency for home-grown technology intensified following US sanctions on telecoms equipment producer ZTE, as well as subsequent restrictions on China’s access to semiconductor technology. These actions highlighted the vulnerability of China’s reliance on imported technologies and spurred efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.
China’s Efforts and Technological Self-Reliance
China’s investment in domestic TEM production is evident in the significant expenditure of 3 billion yuan (US$416 million) in 2022 to import 300 of these microscopes. The global market for TEMs was valued at US$825 million in that year, with projections estimating it to surpass US$1 billion by 2028.
Over the past three years, Bioland Laboratory has been at the forefront of China’s efforts to develop TEM technology, becoming the first Chinese player in the market. The company’s success aligns with President Xi Jinping’s repeated emphasis on scientific and technological self-reliance as a key policy theme.
Conclusion
The development of domestic TEMs is a testament to China’s growing capabilities in advanced technologies, particularly amid geopolitical tensions and international competition. The achievement has the potential to strengthen domestic production, support cutting-edge scientific research, and reduce reliance on foreign imports. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges in global collaboration and the potential for further restrictions on technology transfer in the future.
China’s breakthrough in TEM technology is a significant step towards self-reliance in the semiconductor industry, with the potential to drive domestic innovation and economic growth. As the global demand for advanced chips continues to rise, China’s ability to produce its own TEMs will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry.