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At the end of 2023, SK hynix promoted Head of Material Development Deoksin Kil to principal research fellow*<\/span> of the newly established Infra Tech Center (ITC).<\/p>\n *<\/span>Research fellow:\u00a0SK hynix executives with outstanding technical capabilities who focus on researching innovative technologies.<\/p>\n Kil\u2019s department focuses on semiconductor materials, which are recently playing an integral role in the overall process of developing and manufacturing products. Not only are they key to technological innovations, but these materials are also crucial for improving cost competitiveness and lowering carbon emissions.<\/p>\n Since joining the company in 1999, Kil has been on a journey to revolutionize materials and thereby strengthen SK hynix\u2019s competitiveness in this field. In 2023, he received the SUPEX Award*<\/span> for his contribution to localizing extreme ultraviolet photoresist (EUV PR)*<\/span>, a material which was previously only imported from overseas. Having led the company\u2019s material development with a high level of expertise, Kil is expected to develop new technologies that will boost cost competitiveness while proactively identifying material-related risks.<\/p>\n *<\/span>SUPEX Award: As the most prestigious award within the SK Group that carries the meaning \u201csuper excellent,\u201d it recognizes members who have succeeded in reaching innovation by not being afraid to take on new challenges. As part of the newsroom\u2019s interview series that shines a light on SK hynix executives, Kil discussed the future role of materials in the semiconductor industry and his vision to achieve technological innovations.<\/p>\n \u25b2 Kil expects that integrated R&D will be crucial to strengthening the competitiveness of materials<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI am very pleased and proud to be recognized for my expertise and competence in semiconductor materials,\u201d Kil said. \u201cAt the same time, I also feel a heavy weight on my shoulders as I am tasked with leading the materials field to bring about even greater innovations. I will therefore focus on continuously developing new materials at the ITC to ensure that our Material Development department becomes an integral part of creating synergies between advanced and mass-production technologies.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n In addition to developing new technologies, Kil\u2019s department is tasked with supporting and managing the overall R&D process by leading the development of materials used in the manufacturing process.<\/p>\n \u25b2 Kil highlights how material innovations lead to advancements in semiconductor technology<\/p>\n Subsequently, he went on to emphasize the goal of innovation driven by materials.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the past, materials played a secondary role in improving the characteristics of processes. But in recent years, innovations in materials have directly led to improvements in the unit per hour (UPH)\u2014the amount of products manufactured per hour on a production line\u2014and have modified the concept of processes, resulting in a reduction in investment costs,\u201d Kil explained. \u201cThese innovations have consequently improved the productivity and cost competitiveness of DRAM and NAND flash products. With these technical capabilities, it is our goal to achieve integrated innovations driven by materials.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u25b2 Taking past experiences as lessons, Kil stresses the importance of being prepared for the worst case in terms of materials risks<\/p>\n Looking back at his career, Kil picked the successful localization of EUV PR in 2023 as one of his most significant feats. \u201cThe Korean semiconductor industry used to rely solely on internationally imported materials, but restrictions to these imports in 2019 significantly impacted our sector,\u201d he recalled. \u201cFortunately enough, SK hynix\u2019s quick response to the issue ensured we eventually benefitted from the situation in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n As part of this response, Kil has worked with SK Materials Performance since 2021 to develop EUV PR\u2014an essential material for the semiconductor process. As a result, SK hynix succeeded in localizing EUV PR and contributed to the normalization of material supply and demand. \u201cThis experience has enabled us to become confident in our current endeavors to develop new materials,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Based on the lessons learned from the 2019 incident, SK hynix established the Material Risk Index (mRI). Through this index, the risk level of different categories of materials began to be calculated and managed separately so that any potential crises could be handled effectively. Additionally, Kil is also operating a mutual benefit consultative group for high-risk materials with partners.<\/p>\n \u201cSemiconductor materials have a decisive impact not only on technology implementation but also on mass-production processes like equipment operations,\u201d Kil stressed. \u201cBy continuing to closely monitor important affairs such as geopolitics and international regulations, we will reduce uncertainty and build a stable ecosystem of semiconductor materials.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u25b2 Kil hopes SK hynix will become a significant player in developing future materials<\/p>\n Kil predicts that materials will become more important in the future semiconductor market. \u201cIn the future, semiconductor materials will be developed not only to improve performance but to also meet standards for low carbon emissions and possess eco-friendly characteristics. Consequently, we are taking part in various efforts to develop new alternative materials,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Kil pointed out that these newly developed materials will be increasingly applied to existing technologies in 2024.<\/p>\n \u201cWe plan to implement practical and differentiated solutions by clearly identifying the needs for each stage of the respective technologies,\u201d he explained. \u201cAt a time when our role of material development is growing in importance, we will not stop until we achieve a renaissance in materials development.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n While thanking all of SK hynix\u2019s employees, Kil urged them to continue challenging themselves to test their limits.<\/p>\n \u201cTo realize a positive and hopeful future, you must prepare yourself,\u201d he stated. \u201cYou get closer to your dreams by facing challenges, gaining experiences, and building skill sets. I hope many of you will be able to achieve your dreams in 2024.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <Other articles from this series><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n New Leadership Spotlight: SK hynix\u2019s First Female Research Fellow, Vice President Oh Haesoon, on Advancing NAND Flash<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n New Leadership Spotlight: SK hynix\u2019s Youngest Exec, Lee Donghun, Discusses Spearheading NAND Flash Development<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n New Leadership Spotlight: Vice President Kitae Kim, Head of HBM Sales & Marketing, on Future-Proofing HBM\u2019s Market Leadership<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n New Leadership Spotlight: Vice President Hoyoung Son Targets SK hynix\u2019s Evolution Into Total AI Memory Provider Through Advanced Packaging Tech<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n New Leadership Spotlight: Head of HBM PI Unoh Kwon Aims to Finish SK hynix\u2019s HBM Roadmap & Lead in the AI Era<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\n*<\/span>Extreme ultraviolet photoresist (EUV PR): A key material that engraves circuit shapes on wafers during the photolithography process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\nTargeting Collective Innovation Based on Materials<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\nBuilding a Stable Semiconductor Materials Ecosystem, Minimizing Materials Risk<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\nExpanding Role of Materials to Spark Renaissance in 2024<\/h3>\n
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