some news
DANBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 1997--Epitronics
Corp., a subsidiary of Advanced Technology Materials Inc. (Nasdaq:
ATMI), today announced an agreement to purchase a high throughput
multiwafer AIX 2600G3 MOCVD (metal organic chemical vapor
deposition) production tool from Aixtron GmbH for delivery in the
third quarter of 1997.
The tool will be used to produce AlGaAs (aluminum gallium
arsenide) and InGaP (indium gallium phosphide) heterostructures on
100 and 150 mm gallium arsenide wafers. Epitronics' heterostructures
are sold to producers of heterostructure bipolar transistor
(HBT)-based components for wireless communications, direct broadcast
satellite, and CATV systems.
The higher performance, higher frequency operation requirements
of these systems, coupled with their rapid deployment planned over
the next decade have created a growing demand for this family of
microwave and millimeter wave integrated circuits. Epitronics is a
leader in the development of MOCVD processes to create the required
starting substrate for manufacture of these type components. As part
of the purchase agreement, a suite of Epitronics'-developed MOCVD
HBT growth processes will be qualified on the reactor prior to
shipment.
The Aixtron machine is also suited for manufacture of
heterostructures for GaAs based solar cells, a market in which
Epitronics has participated in the R&D stages and is evaluating
commercial opportunities. Demand for GaAs-based, space-qualified
solar cells from planned wireless communication satellite systems is
forecast to exceed industry capacity over the next 18-24 months.
The Aixtron system features automatic cassette-to-cassette wafer
handling and 76, 100, and 150 mm wafer capability. It can be
upgraded to process up to eight 100 mm diameter wafers at one time.
When completely configured, the new reactor will be capable of
producing up to 2500 100 mm wafers per month.
Dr. Timothy F. Murray, Epitronics' Director of Sales and
Marketing said, "The new system - and close customer cooperation -
enables us to meet the quality, prices, and quantities our customers
need to grow their businesses. We are already working on a
demand-driven plan for purchase of additional machines."
Dr. Michael A. Tischler, vice-president Operation at Epitronics,
declared, "Aixtron worked very hard to win this order. They took
our requirements for uniformity and lowest cost of ownership and
showed us that this machine will deliver what our customers need."
Dr. Duncan W. Brown, president of Epitronics, stated "This
investment is a significant commitment to ensure our customers a
stable and growing supply of the enabling starting wafers for their
rapidly growing businesses. We invested now so that we can support
the ramp ups customers have forecast for 4Q97 and 1998. Our mission
is to be the world's leading supplier of advanced semiconductor
materials. This cutting edge, high-throughput equipment should help
us get there. We are pleased to be working with Aixtron, the
leading supplier of these highly sophisticated systems."
Dr. Holger Juergensen, president of Aixtron, said, "Epitronics'
purchase of this system puts them in a very competitive position in
their core epitaxial wafer products. Their choice of this Aixtron
machine assures them support from the world leader in MOCVD
equipment for their epitaxial processing expertise required for the
growth caused by design wins of Epitronics customers. We are
pleased to work for Epitronics on this repeat system order and
demonstrate our commitment to the epi wafer industry."
ATMI is a leading provider of advanced semiconductor materials
and environmental equipment. It is also developing next-generation
semiconductor devices based on its new materials technologies.
Epitronics, an ATMI company, is a leading supplier of high
performance wafers and thin film materials for wireless
communications and optoelectronics devices.
Aixtron is the leading manufacturer of high throughput
production MOCVD reactors worldwide. Its flexibly designed
equipment is used for the production of III-V, II-VI, HTSC (high
temperature superconductors), ferroelectrics, oxides, SiC (silicon
carbide), diamond, and other materials. The company has over 200
installed systems worldwide, used to produce opto- and
micro-electronic components such as LEDs, lasers, detectors, HEMTs,
MESFETs, HBTs, guided optics, and many other advanced devices.
Represented in over 18 countries, Aixtron provides an extensive
service and support network for maintenance and upgrades. Its
newest generation, AIX 2400/2600G3, is the first MOCVD reactor to
offer true robotic wafer handling for high throughput and low cost
of ownership. Aixtron was also the first MOCVD company to receive
DIN ISO 9001 certification.
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