✧✦Catherine✦✧2d ago

semiconductor folks! I've seen a lot of talking heads repeat the claim that "a helium shortage is bad for chip production", never substantiated with useful information. do any of you know:

  • what is helium actually used in the processes?
  • which specific processes would be affected?
  • how much helium (ballpark) is needed per year?
  • where, if anywhere, a closed cycle is used?
  • what happened to the strategic helium reserve in the US?
Show thread✧✦Catherine✦✧2d ago
neither me nor anybody i've talked to so far (including some industry people) could point at any process steps they know involves helium, and i've no idea where this claim originated
Show threadDr. Sobek2d ago
@whitequark The first thing in my TL seems to be there https://fosstodon.org/@AkaSci/116273165320321185
Show threadAkaSci 🛰️

@Sobex @whitequark
If we do a search for Helium Semiconductor, we will find lots of reliable sources discussing the effect of Helium shortage on the semiconductor industry and MRI equipment.

E.g.,
https://www.semiconductors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SIA-Comments-to-USGS-Request-for-Comment-on-Helium-Supply-Risks-3_16_23.pdf
https://www.ibselectronics.com/resources/news/helium-supply-disruption-semiconductor-manufacturing-risk/
https://www.frost.com/growth-opportunity-news/industrial/helium-as-the-new-chokepoint-in-semiconductor-supply-chain-can-singapore-turn-adversity-into-opportunity/

Apr 3 at 3:59pmWeb