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Technology Stocks : Applied Materials No-Politics Thread (AMAT) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Sun Tzu who wrote (726)	2/28/2002 7:35:28 AM
From: Proud_Infidel	Respond to of 25522

Applied Materials' New NanoSEM 3D Metrology System Enables 193nm Lithography Control Advances in Automatic 3D Imaging Provide Industry with Unique In-Line Metrology Solution for High-Yield Sub-100 Nanometer Chip Production SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2002-- Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT - news) announces its NanoSEM 3D(TM) system, the industry's only fully-automated 3D CD-SEM/a that enables chipmakers to precisely control 193nm-wavelength lithography and advanced etch processes for 100nm-generation and below chip manufacturing. The NanoSEM system's unique imaging technology allows customers to automatically view and measure both the top and sides of chip features and rapidly capture excursions invisible to conventional top-view CD metrology tools. ``The NanoSEM 3D system is the industry's only product that solves the critical metrology hurdles facing 193nm lithography and etching, namely decreasing depth of focus and photoresist shrinkage, while providing full automation for the production fab environment,'' said Dr. Gilad Almogy, vice president of Applied Materials' Process, Diagnostics and Control Division. ``Using this system to detect slope problems very quickly after processing, chipmakers can control their lithography and etch processes before they lead to major yield losses. The NanoSEM 3D system is the industry's first sub-100nm-generation CD-SEM system that chipmakers can use as their primary in-line metrology tool for profile analysis.'' Decreasing depth of focus, a key challenge for 193nm lithography, creates sidewall slope angle variations in chip features that cannot be automatically monitored using existing CD-SEM metrology tools. With the NanoSEM 3D system's broad range of multi-directional electron beam tilt angles, customers can automatically monitor the slope angles of critical features on every wafer. NanoSEM 3D technology is optimized to provide minimal photoresist shrinkage during measurement -- another important 193nm lithography parameter. Customer benchmark tests showed superior photoresist performance and excellent image quality. The NanoSEM 3D system also enables advanced etch processes such as shallow trench isolation (STI), gate and dual damascene applications by providing fast, in-line measurement and control of trench and via depth. By helping define and control the lithography and etch process window, the NanoSEM 3D system lets users automatically monitor critical parameters such as stepper focus and etch depth, contributing to increased device yield and fab profitability. Advanced pattern recognition algorithms enhance navigational accuracy, increasing fab productivity by shortening the time to accurately reach the measurement site, for increased throughput and superior measurement reliability. Production shipments of the NanoSEM 3D system are scheduled to begin in the first calendar quarter of 2002. Multiple systems have already been installed in customer fabs, including foundries and manufacturers of DRAM and logic devices. Applied Materials, Inc. is a Fortune 500 global growth company and the world's largest supplier of wafer fabrication systems and services to the global semiconductor industry. Applied Materials is traded on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol ``AMAT.'' Applied Materials' web site is www.appliedmaterials.com. /a 3D CD-SEM = Three dimensional critical dimension scanning electron microscope Note: A Photo is available at URL: businesswire.com

To: Sun Tzu who wrote (726)	2/28/2002 7:48:10 AM
From: Proud_Infidel	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 25522

Well there is a certain logic to the "tech" is dead crowd. I see no logic in their belief nor do I see any reason whatsoever that this may come to fruition.....even a remote chance. Techs may lag behind the overall market for another 12 or 18 months; this is possible. But to say tech is dead is a ludicrous statement on the surface and becomes even more asinine as one looks into the cycles of technology and technology stocks. I do not know when tech will come back; 6, 12 18 or more months? I do know it will as sure as I can say the sun will rise tomorrow. If technology is truly dead, then kiss productivity goodbye and all of the advances currently being worked on in labs around the world as we speak. Buy the tech leaders with huge barriers to entry and who are leaders in their fields, and ignore people like Cramer who come in after the fall with "never-more" predictions; this has paid off in the past and there is absolutely no reason to believe the trend will not continue in the future after a much needed respite. Brian