Schott Lithotec AG has doubled its capacity for producing calcium fluoride monocrystals with the opening of a third factory. Calcium fluoride is important in the production of advanced semiconductor chips for 193- and 157-nm technology.

High demand for the material has continued as buyers have shifted from capacity to technology purchases. Strength in calcium fluoride production has enabled Schott Lithotec to grow, despite the recession in the semiconductor industry. A manufacturer of optical materials and components for microlithography, it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Schott Group.