Micronic aquires direct write license for semiconductor applications
Micronic aquires direct write license for semiconductor applications Täby, Sweden, December 11, 2000 - Micronic Laser Systems AB (OM Stockholm Exchange: MICR), a company at the forefront of semiconductor and display laser pattern generators for the production of photomasks to worldwide electronic industries, today announced that it has extended its partnership with Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems (IMS) to include all semiconductor direct write applications based on Micronic's new revolutionary use of the spatial light modulator (SLM) technology. Micronic recently announced the first order for Sigma, a photomask pattern generator based on this proprietary SLM technology that was licensed in 1998. Through this agreement, Micronic has acquired a worldwide exclusive license from Fraunhofer IMS to use its patented devices and methods for direct write lithography to produce semiconductors. "We have on a long term basis secured the possibility to broaden our future business to include direct write applications and by that the capability to cover fully the future needs of our semiconductor customers," said Bert Jeppsson, President and CEO of Micronic Laser Systems AB. "We are now considering various possibilities to explore this thrilling business opportunity." "Micronic has demonstrated a unique capability to industrialize novel lithographic technologies for future generations of semiconductor photomask making," said Professor Günter Zimmer, Director of Fraunhofer IMS. "We feel confident that Micronic will further expand the important SLM technology to also include direct write applications." About Micronic Laser Systems Micronic Laser Systems is a Swedish high-tech company engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of a series of extremely accurate laser pattern generators for the production of photomasks. The technology involved is known as microlithography. Micronic's systems are used by the world's leading electronics companies in the manufacture of television and computer displays, semiconductor circuits and semiconductor packaging components. Micronic is located in Täby, north of Stockholm and has subsidiaries in the United States, Japan and Taiwan. Micronic is projecting to almost triple its net sales from MSEK 213 in 1999 to exceed MSEK 600 for year 2000. Micronic also announced a projected strong improvement of the operating margin for the full year. Micronic has around 260 employess worldwide. Micronic maintains a web-site at: www.micronic.se About Fraunhofer The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is Europe's leading organization for applied research, with its headquarters located in Munich, Germany. It operates 47 research institutes with nearly 9,000 employees, half of them scientists and engineers. The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft has expanded into a worldwide network with locations in Germany, the USA and Asia. Contact:Sven Löfquist, Executive Vice President, phone +46 8 638 52 10 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/12/11/20001211BIT00130/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/12/11/20001211BIT00130/bit0002.pdf