Of course, during the process of refining monocrystalline silicon, failures did occur. However, as the saying goes, "failure is the mother of success." After several attempts, Zhang Zhipeng’s experience grew exponentially, leading him to master the most perfect refining techniques.
Alongside refining monocrystalline silicon and producing silicon ingots, there were also multiple other experiments being conducted.
Among these, the most important was the production of photoresist. Photoresist is a crucial medium used in lithography to receive images, making it one of the most vital raw materials in chip manufacturing.
The main components of photoresist include resin, photosensitizer, solvent, and additives, with resin and photosensitizer being the core elements.
Different chips require varying compositions of photoresist, necessitating extensive experimentation and fine-tuning.
After numerous trials, errors, and adjustments, Zhang Zhipeng finally formulated the type of photoresist he needed.
In short, Zhang Zhipeng was determined to personally develop all the raw materials necessary for chip manufacturing, turning his experiences into expertise and skills.
**[Congratulations, Host! You have acquired advanced silicon chip manufacturing techniques!]**
**[Congratulations, Host! You have acquired advanced photoresist formulation and production techniques!]**
…
Eight days later, Zhang Zhipeng had personally produced all the materials needed for chip manufacturing.
During these eight days, Zhang Zhipeng never went home. When tired, he would rest on the bed in his small office; when hungry, he would eat the meals others brought to him.
Of course, no one else, including Tian Hongtao and the others, lived in the lab as he did.
They still had other experimental tasks and studies to attend to.
Zhang Zhipeng was the absolute backbone of his laboratory, while others merely assisted him.
During this period, Zheng Jingzhi visited the lab several times.
However, he merely observed quietly, without making any comments.
After all, his understanding of the research Zhang Zhipeng was conducting was very superficial.
In such a situation, the best approach was to remain silent and let the lead researcher do his work.
Eight days later, Zheng Jingzhi sought out Tian Hongtao for a discussion about the situation in Zhang Zhipeng’s lab.
"Xiao Tian, what do you think of Zhipeng’s research progress?" Zheng Jingzhi asked with a smile.
The process of scientific research is, in fact, incredibly tedious and monotonous.
Scientific research rarely yields results in ten days, half a month, or even one or two years.
During this time, scientists must endure solitude.
The main reason Zheng Jingzhi inquired was that he had no idea what Zhang Zhipeng was doing.
So, he needed to get an update.
Tian Hongtao replied with a smile, "Professor, I think Zhipeng is a true scientific genius!"
"The tasks we’ve been working on so far have mostly been physics and chemistry experiments."
"Refining monocrystalline silicon and pulling silicon rods into monocrystalline silicon ingots require exceptional experimental skills. With Zhipeng’s help, we’ve successfully cut and produced 8-inch silicon wafers."
"We’ve also produced photoresist and various other necessary auxiliary materials."
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
Zheng Jingzhi raised an eyebrow, "Has the progress been that rapid?"
He was astonished.
Zheng Jingzhi was well aware of how difficult it is to conduct scientific experiments from scratch.
Previously, Zheng Jingzhi had thought that Zhang Zhipeng’s decision to handle all the processes of chip manufacturing himself, from start to finish, was somewhat unwise.
One should learn to divide labor and leverage external resources.
In fact, many domestic companies are capable of manufacturing monocrystalline silicon wafers, and some even dabble in photoresist production, though not as well as foreign companies.
These materials could have been purchased directly.
Doing so would have saved a lot of time and effort.
After all, specialization is key!
But now, seeing how much Zhang Zhipeng had accomplished in such a short time in the lab, Zheng Jingzhi was deeply moved.
Tian Hongtao nodded and said, "I also find it unbelievable. The speed is truly astonishing."
"Scientific experiments are never this smooth."
"In the past, it would take us hundreds or thousands of attempts to achieve a single success."
"But Zhang Zhipeng’s success rate in experiments is remarkably high."
Zheng Jingzhi remarked, "He’s really pushing himself!"
"Did he really not go home at all during these past eight days since the experiment started?"
Tian Hongtao nodded with a smile. "That seems to be the case. Right now, he's dedicating all his time to the experiment, aside from brief breaks for eating, drinking, and resting."
"I advised him to take it easy and not to overextend himself, but he just smiled and said that he pays great attention to balancing work and rest. Besides, he claims to sleep very efficiently, needing only three or four hours of deep sleep each day."
Hearing this, Zheng Jingzhi was deeply moved.
"This young man is more passionate about his work than we were back in the day! I need to have a word with him—he shouldn't overwork himself."
"Health is the foundation of everything! If his body breaks down, it'll all amount to nothing."
Zheng Jingzhi checked the time; it was already past 7 p.m.
He stood up and headed straight to Zhang Zhipeng's lab.
Zhang Zhipeng had eaten a bit of dinner around 6 p.m.
After eating, he felt a little drowsy, so he lay down on the single bed in his small office to rest for fifteen minutes.
In order to save more time and improve the quality of his sleep, Zhang Zhipeng had figured out a way to hypnotize himself into deep sleep quickly.
Once he lay down, he could enter the deepest level of sleep within just ten seconds.
Fifteen minutes later, he woke up feeling refreshed, with a clear mind and heightened energy.
He believed that fifteen minutes of deep sleep was equivalent to at least two hours of lower-quality sleep.
After resting, Zhang Zhipeng returned to his lab.
Now, all the auxiliary materials were ready.
He was about to start designing and building a simple, small-scale photolithography machine, as well as an etching machine and a thin-film deposition machine.
Among these, the most complex and challenging task would likely be the photolithography machine.
The most difficult part of the photolithography machine is its optical system.
Tonight, Zhang Zhipeng decided to work on creating the lens for the small photolithography machine he was building.
The lens had extremely high requirements—its light transmission needed to be precise to an astonishing degree to maintain the accuracy of the photolithography process.
As Zhang Zhipeng was busy making the lens in his lab, Zheng Jingzhi arrived at the door.
The lab lights were, of course, on.
Zheng Jingzhi peeked through the transparent glass panel above the lab door.
He saw Zhang Zhipeng working busily inside, wearing protective gear.
Zhang Zhipeng was intensely focused on grinding a lens.
"What’s he doing?" Zheng Jingzhi whispered to Tian Hongtao, who was standing beside him.
Tian Hongtao shook his head. "I don’t know either."
"It looks like he's making a lens."
"When I got my glasses, I remember the optician grinding and cutting the lenses just like this."
Zheng Jingzhi chuckled and whispered, "He's a promising talent for scientific research. Since he's busy, let's not disturb him for now."
"Let’s wait until he’s finished, and then we can go in and remind him to take care of himself."
Tian Hongtao understood that his teacher was concerned about interrupting Zhang Zhipeng’s work.
"Alright then! But, Teacher, I should remind you too—you work tirelessly without regard for food or rest. You’re getting older and should know better than anyone the importance of rest."
Zheng Jingzhi waved his hand dismissively. "I know how to balance work and rest!"
Zheng Jingzhi then turned and headed towards the lab. Seeing how hard Zhang Zhipeng was working deeply inspired him, and he felt that he, too, must make the most of his time.