In this episode of Planet Money, we explore the remarkable journey of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, a key technology for producing cutting-edge microchips. Initially doubted, this technology emerged from Cold War nuclear research and received vital early support from the US government. However, when funding was cut, US microchip companies had to team up with national labs to keep the research alive. Eventually, a Dutch company, ASML, stepped up, pouring billions into overcoming significant technical challenges to bring this technology to market. Today, EUV lithography machines are essential for modern chip manufacturing and AI development. This story illustrates the long, intricate, and often unpredictable road from scientific innovation to commercial success.
