Market and technology outlook into the year 2000 [semiconductor manufacturing]

Technological improvements to make fine geometries have been one of the key factors in developing high-performance, low-power, and highly integrated semiconductor devices, which have led to produce high-performance, low-power portable, electronic equipment. This trend in electronic equipment has been changing our daily lifestyle which in turn is driving demand for further improvements in semiconductor devices. However, as geometry becomes finer, the amount of investment required to manufacture semiconductors is escalating. This paper discusses market outlook beyond the year 2000, and reviews enabling technologies. A new figure of merit is discussed which provides a guiding principle for technological progress in the new age, which the author calls the nomadic age.