In grossly oversimplified terms, immersion lithography makes it easier to etch wafers filled with multiple chips by using a special transparent liquid between the wafer itself and the lithography system. "Immersion lithography will allow us to deliver enhanced microprocessor design definition and manufacturing consistency," AMD vice president of logic technology development Nick Kepler said.

AMD arch-rival and market leader Intel demonstrated 45 nanometre process technology in January, and has three fabrication plants which can use the process. AMD and IBM have a joint development agreement which runs until 2011.
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