ASML's Former President to Receive Honorary Doctorate for Industry Contributions
Eindhoven, Monday, 16 September 2024.
Martin van den Brink, former ASML president, will be awarded an honorary doctorate by TU Eindhoven for his significant impact on the semiconductor industry. Van den Brink’s collaborative approach and systems thinking have been crucial to ASML’s success in developing complex lithography machines.
A Legacy of Innovation in Photolithography
Martin van den Brink’s career is a testament to the power of collaboration and systems engineering. Having started his professional journey at Philips, Van den Brink’s fascination with complex technologies like wafer steppers paved the way for his pivotal role at ASML. Under his leadership, ASML became the largest supplier of photolithography machines, which are crucial for manufacturing computer chips.
The Role of ASML in the Semiconductor Industry
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands, ASML is a multinational corporation specializing in photolithography machines used in computer chip production[1]. The company’s technology, particularly its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, has revolutionized the semiconductor industry by enabling the production of smaller, more powerful chips. As of 2023, ASML reported a revenue of €27.56 billion and employed over 42,000 people[1].
The Benefits of EUV Lithography
EUV lithography, a technology developed by ASML, has been a game-changer for the semiconductor industry. By using extreme ultraviolet light to create incredibly fine circuits on silicon wafers, this technology enables the production of faster, more energy-efficient chips. These advancements are critical for the continued evolution of smartphones, data centers, and various other digital devices[1].
Systems Thinking and Collaboration
Van den Brink has always emphasized the importance of collaboration and systems thinking in tackling complex engineering challenges. ‘The greatest thing is surely when knowledge, skills, and teamwork form the basis for a new machine,’ he stated[2]. This approach has been integral to ASML’s success, allowing the company to manage complex projects through intensive collaboration between teams and individuals.
Award and Recognition
TU Eindhoven will honor Martin van den Brink with an honorary doctorate on June 13, 2024, during the TU/e Research Day[2]. The event will also feature a keynote on artificial intelligence titled ‘Shaping the Future with AI’ by Carlo van de Weijer. Van den Brink’s recognition underscores his contributions to the mechanical and mechatronic components of ASML’s lithography machines, which are essential for modern chip production.