Chapter 1543 has nothing to do with semiconductors...?

There was a dead silence in the conference room, and you could hear a pin drop.

The face that was flushed with excitement just now suddenly became complicated.

These three patents are like three precise locks, firmly locking the three most critical gates on the road to commercialization of TEM-APT integrated equipment - sample preparation, field of view matching, and in-situ manipulation positioning.

Each one pointed directly to a core solution to the engineering challenge they had just discussed.

"You think the problem is too simple..." Mahachi sighed heavily and broke the silence: "The authors of these two papers are obviously not just pure scholars. They have already considered the issues of commercial application before publishing the papers and making their technical ideas public."

He pointed to the paper page of JCAS and said, "In my opinion, the value of the second paper even exceeds the pure academic breakthroughs of Nature and Science. The reason why they chose to publish in JCAS instead of top journals is probably to use Huaxia Publishing House to precisely control the timing of the paper's publication, seamlessly connect it with the patent publication, and leave no opportunity for outsiders to take advantage of it."

The conference room was filled with frustration and dismay. It was as if a mountain of gold was right in front of them, but was blocked by an invisible and extremely solid patent wall.

“Is it possible to…get around these patents?”

After a long silence, another supervisor asked tentatively, with a hint of luck in his voice.

“The specific results still need to be analyzed.”

Mahachi shook his head slowly, his eyes scanning the abstracts of the three patents sharply.

"But these three patents cover the most basic and core implementation paths. It is difficult to find ways to cheat like assistive technology. From my past experience, the risk of circumventing them is extremely high and the outlook is very pessimistic."

Hope seemed to be completely extinguished.

The conference room fell into oppressive silence again, with only the hum of electrical equipment as the only sound.

"Perhaps..." Pilz suddenly had an idea. "This achievement and these patents all come from Chinese research institutions, but the other party does not have sufficiently advanced transmission electron microscopes or atom probe technology. Therefore, even if they master this series of key patents, they still need the cooperation of other technology service providers to produce products in a short period of time..."

Her meaning was very clear.

FEI is one of the best suppliers in this field.

But before he could finish his sentence, Mahachi's laptop on the conference table made a crisp email alert sound.

The latter glanced at him distractedly, but his eyes suddenly froze.

It's such a coincidence -

The sender was clearly shown as "Torch Group".

The title of the email is: "Inquiry on intention to cooperate on transmission electron microscope-atom probe in-situ combined system technology and establish a joint venture."

Mahachi's heart almost skipped a beat.

He immediately opened the email and signaled Pilz to project the content onto the big screen.

The email was formal and concise, expressing that the Torch Group had made major breakthroughs in the field of TEM-APT in-situ integration technology. It also attached links to the two papers they had just studied and that they owned the relevant core intellectual property rights.

The email clearly stated that in view of the complexity and commercial potential of the technology, Torch Group seeks to cooperate with the world's leading manufacturers of electron microscopes and probe analysis equipment to jointly establish a joint venture to carry out the research and development, production and global promotion of the system. As an industry leader, FEI is the Torch Group's preferred partner, so the letter was sent to solicit cooperation intentions.

This unexpected turn of events instantly caused the entire conference room to explode.

The frustration and despair just now were swept away, replaced by incredible surprise and excitement.

"Oh My God?"

"They really came to us on their own initiative?"

"Although the result is not the best, it seems pretty good..."

"..."

Obviously, FEI's reputation in the industry helped them gain an advantage.

Even if they cannot monopolize the technology and product revenue, since Chinese companies do not form direct competition in the field of characterization equipment, they can still use this to suppress several major competitors.

Moreover, a new joint venture means a series of new middle and senior management positions, which is definitely good news for those technical personnel who have difficulty in promotion.

The conference room was filled with a joyful atmosphere as if one had survived a disaster, even more enthusiastic than the first time.

It seems that cooperation has been achieved and success is within reach.

However, a calm and even chilling voice sounded again.

From Alanza Jimenez, the compliance prosecutor, who had been sitting in the corner, silent.

"Everyone, please calm down." Jimenez's voice was not loud, but it pierced the warm atmosphere like an ice cone.

It's offensive to sing a different tune when everyone is celebrating, but there's nothing she can do about it, that's her job.

"Before you cheer for possible promotions and bonuses, I ask you to consider an unavoidable risk."

Everyone's eyes were focused on her.

Jimenez stood up, looking serious:

"Last month, I received an informal reminder from friends in Washington. There is a strong force within the Department of Commerce and the White House that is pushing for a series of restrictive measures against China's high-tech industries... Although the specific details and final decisions have not yet been finalized, the wind is very tight, and the time window is likely to be within the next 18 to 24 months."

She paused, letting the news fully ferment:

"If we agree to set up a joint venture now, even if we push forward the negotiations, formation and R&D at the fastest speed, the product will not be available until the middle or even the end of next year. If the restrictive policy is officially introduced by then and affects the field of high-end scientific instruments... you can imagine the consequences."

It's been a roller coaster ride.

The fire of hope that had just been ignited was cast into a thick shadow by the cruel reality of risks.

The excited smile froze on his face, replaced by solemnity and worry.

"Alansa, this... is this really possible? What era is it now? Globalization..." an engineer whispered in disbelief.

"Yes, the Chinese market is so large and the supply chain is so deep, it is unrealistic to cut it off completely, right?" another person echoed.

Jimenez immediately refuted this fluke mentality: "The change in political direction often does not follow business logic. We cannot bet the future of the company on the rationality of Washington."

Pilz obviously disagreed: "But, after all, we are not the only possible partner. If we hesitate for too long, this olive branch may be taken away by others..."

“There is a real risk of that happening.”

Jimenez nodded, acknowledging Pearce's concerns:

"However, more than 95% of the global high-end transmission electron microscope shipments are concentrated in North America and Japan. If the restriction bill is really implemented, the entire industry will face the same dilemma. We are actually in the same boat."

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple.”

Pilz quickly grasped the key point:

"Chinese companies can already produce transmission electron microscopes that are about one generation behind in precision. The opponent's real gap lies in atom probe technology, and the latter can easily find suppliers in many European countries... For example, CAMECA is likely to ignore the sanctions and cooperate with the opponent, which will then introduce a new competitor to the entire industry."

Pilz's analysis is like a precise scalpel, cutting through the appearance of solidarity.

If we look at it from a long-term perspective, FEI is not irreplaceable. Instead, it may give birth to a stronger competitor.

Mahachi frowned. The huge business temptation and the huge political risk were like the two ends of a scale, competing fiercely in his heart.

"Alanza, do you have more specific information about the restriction policy?" He looked at Jimenez: "For example... what specific areas are most likely to be targeted?"

Judging from the current situation, China has occupied an irreplaceable position in many fields.

Unless a madman moves into the White House, it is unlikely that they will completely cut ties with the other party.

Jimenez paused for a moment and replied, "The specific details have not yet been determined. They are still under analysis and prediction. However, according to cross-information from multiple reliable sources, the two areas that are most likely to be the focus of attention are semiconductor manufacturing equipment and core materials, and certain fine chemical products involving national security."

Her words made everyone present feel a little relieved.

It is impossible for the Chinese to develop an EUV lithography machine with only a transmission electron microscope, so the possibility of being restricted is very small.

A technical director said, "Ms. Jimenez's reminder is important, but the risks need to be weighed against the opportunities... At least, the risk of a complete ban on basic scientific research equipment is relatively low."

"That's right," another engineer agreed. "China's market size and technological development speed have determined that they are partners or competitors that we cannot ignore, let alone exclude. Instead of passively waiting for risks to come, it is better to actively embrace opportunities, which can also enhance our voice and mediation space in potential future disturbances..."

"Yes! The risk is worth taking!"

“Technology knows no borders, but business requires vision and courage!”

Voices in favor of cooperation once again prevailed.

Mahachi's eyes slowly swept over the crowd.

He took a deep breath and made up his mind. Great opportunities come with risks, but in the face of the wave of technological change, hesitating often means greater failure.

"Alansa, thank you for your timely and important risk warning, which enables us to make more sober decisions." Mahachi's voice is steady and powerful. "Everyone, I agree with your analysis. Torch Group's technological breakthrough is real and subversive, and there are both commercial and political risks associated with it. But after a comprehensive assessment:"

“First, the technology is extremely valuable and has broad market prospects, so the cost of giving up the opportunity is huge.”

"Second, the risk of a complete ban on basic scientific research equipment is relatively controllable at present, and it is more likely to be precisely controlled."

"Third, in-depth cooperation through the joint venture may serve as a buffer and bargaining chip to deal with potential turmoil in the future."

"Therefore, I think," he raised his voice and made the final decision, "we should recommend to the board of directors that we accept Torch Group's invitation to cooperate in principle..."