Materials Challenges from the Supply Side
Silicon Device architectures continue to evolve for both logic devices and memory. New materials continue to be needed to produce these new architectures, but the need for robust supply chains and increasing purity requirements puts significant demands on material suppliers.
As the industry reconfigures to support AI infrastructure, geopolitical tensions, economic corrections, and technical challenges must be solved. Regional variations in funding, regulation, export control, and cost continue to develop, and suppliers have to adapt to customers’ expectations.
This talk will review the responses, concerns, and trends in the wafer fab supply chain, as well as a brief overview of the novel materials demand anticipated in the next 3-5 years.
Mark Thirsk is Managing Partner of Linx Consulting, a leading advisor to the materials supply side for electronic materials.
Mark Thirsk has over 30 years of experience spanning many materials and processes in wafer fabrication, combined with economic and business forecasting, strategic planning, technical marketing, and M&A experience. Having been on both sides of the fence, both as a user and seller of materials and equipment, as well as having an intimate experience in the concerns of major materials manufacturers Mark is well placed to bring clarity and insight into understanding markets from both a technical and commercial perspective. Additionally, Mark has served on the SEMI Chemicals and Gases Manufacturers Group (CGMG) since 1999, acting as Chairman between 2001 and 2003.
Mark has worked in the UK, Germany Belgium, and the USA, and has traveled extensively in Asia, and works comfortably in both English and German. Mark holds an Honours B.Sc. in Metallurgy and Materials Science from Birmingham University and an MBA.