News & Updates

In February 2026, ZYGO Corporation, the global leader in precision optical metrology, officially launched its next-generation Qualifire laser interferometer series. This product represents another major leap in optical surface metrology technology, featuring a new phase-shifting algorithm and high-sensitivity detectors that push measurement accuracy to sub-nanometer levels.

The new product achieves a threefold improvement in measurement speed while maintaining ZYGO's renowned repeatability and reliability. A completely redesigned user interface significantly lowers the barrier to operation, enabling even non-specialist operators to perform high-precision measurements with ease. Additionally, the new Qualifire series supports multiple aperture configurations, covering a full range of measurement needs from small optical components to large-aperture optical systems.

Industry experts believe the launch of the new Qualifire series will further drive the adoption of precision optical metrology technology in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and advanced scientific research. With China's high-end manufacturing sector growing rapidly, demand for high-precision optical measurement equipment continues to rise, making this product launch particularly well-timed.

As Moore's Law gradually slows, Chiplet technology and 3D packaging are becoming critical paths for the semiconductor industry to break through performance bottlenecks. These advanced packaging technologies require wafer-level alignment accuracy and surface quality control that traditional contact measurement methods can no longer satisfy.

ZYGO's new-generation white-light optical profilers, such as the NewView series, demonstrate unique advantages in advanced packaging applications thanks to their non-contact measurement capability and sub-nanometer vertical resolution. These instruments can precisely measure critical parameters including wafer surface roughness, micro-bump height, TSV (Through-Silicon Via) profiles, and bonding interface flatness, providing reliable data support for process optimization.

Industry analysts forecast that the global advanced packaging equipment market will grow at a CAGR exceeding 15% from 2025 to 2030. As key tools for quality control in advanced packaging, precision optical measurement equipment will see synchronized demand growth, creating new technology upgrade opportunities for domestic assembly and test enterprises in China.

Starting in 2025, China has officially implemented a new round of import and export tariff adjustments. A major highlight of this adjustment is the further reduction of import tariffs on multiple high-tech products, including precision measurement instruments and optical inspection equipment. Some categories have seen tariff reductions exceeding 30%, reflecting the government's clear policy direction to support the development of high-end manufacturing.

For enterprises engaged in the import trade of precision optical equipment and high-end instruments, lower tariffs mean reduced product costs and increased purchasing willingness from end customers. The new plan also simplifies customs clearance procedures for certain low-risk goods, extending the "two-step declaration" model to more ports and significantly reducing cargo dwell time at ports.

Industry analysts point out that the combined effect of tariff reductions and customs facilitation measures will effectively promote the entry of international advanced technology products into the Chinese market, helping to elevate the overall technological level and international competitiveness of domestic manufacturing. Companies in special regulatory areas such as the Shanghai Free Trade Zone will be among the first to benefit from these policy advantages.

In October 2025, the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Management Committee released a new round of trade facilitation reform measures. The plan covers multiple aspects including customs acceleration, bonded function expansion, and cross-border financial service innovation, aiming to create a more internationalized and convenient business environment.

In terms of customs facilitation, the new plan introduces a "pre-declaration + release on arrival" rapid clearance model, compressing average customs clearance time to under 4 hours. For bonded warehousing, zone enterprises are now permitted to conduct "one-stop" bonded maintenance and testing services, greatly simplifying after-sales processes for high-value precision equipment. Additionally, the facilitation of cross-border RMB settlement provides more efficient financial support for international trade enterprises.

Statistics show that in the first half of 2025, the total import and export volume of the Shanghai FTZ grew by over 18% year-on-year, with high-tech product imports showing particularly strong growth. The introduction of new policies will further consolidate the Shanghai FTZ's position as an international trade hub and create more development opportunities for enterprises in the zone.

A latest report from a leading market research firm indicates that, driven by strong demand from downstream applications including semiconductor manufacturing, autonomous driving, augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), and life sciences, the global precision optics market is projected to reach $20.5 billion in 2025, representing approximately 12% year-on-year growth. The Asia-Pacific region maintains its global lead with a market share exceeding 40%.

The report highlights that China, as the world's largest semiconductor consumer, is seeing particularly strong growth in demand for precision optical measurement equipment. Capacity expansion at domestic wafer fabs and advanced packaging facilities is directly driving procurement demand for high-end optical measurement instruments such as laser interferometers and white-light optical profilers. Meanwhile, rapid growth in new energy vehicles and consumer electronics is injecting new momentum into the optical inspection market.

From a technology trends perspective, the deep application of artificial intelligence and machine learning is transforming traditional precision optical measurement. Intelligent measurement systems can automatically identify defect types, optimize measurement parameters, and generate analysis reports, significantly improving inspection efficiency and accuracy. This trend is expected to accelerate over the next 3-5 years.