HILLSBORO,
Ore./March 6, 2006-- FEI Company (Nasdaq:
FEIC) today announced that BASF, the world's leading
chemical company, has ordered one of FEI's top-of-the-
line DualBeam systems, the Strata™ 400. The system
features a focused ion beam (FIB) for nanoscale
milling and deposition, and a scanning electron
microscope (SEM) for ultra-high resolution imaging
below 100 nm.
The
Strata will be utilized in BASF laboratories, along
with previously installed FEI Tecnai™ transmission
electron microscopes (TEMs) for a wide range of R&D
projects. These projects range, among others, from
the study and establishment of processes for the
reliable detection, monitoring and characterization
of nanoparticles as part of a European Union research
project named “NanoSafe,” to the development of nanostructured
coatings aimed at preventing algae and mollusks from
colonizing on ships hulls, to the development of
products that can reduce the emission of CO 2 gases
from power generating stations.
Underscoring
BASF's commitment to nanotechnology R&D, Dr. Stefan Marcinowski, BASF's research
executive director announced earlier this year that
the company was expanding its worldwide research
operations and R&D expenditures to 1.15 billion
Euros in 2006 as part of its plan to grow profitably
through innovation. Of BASF's total R&D investment,
approximately two-thirds involve nanoscale applications
and development.
“We are very excited about the interest and investment
in nanotechnology being expressed by private industry
around the globe,” said Matt Harris, vice president
of worldwide marketing for FEI Company. “We are seeing
significant companies making considerable investments
in tools and applications that enable nanoscale exploration
and development, with the goal of improving and expanding
their product portfolios and maintaining their competitive
edge.”
Globally, government spending on nanotechnology
development is projected to reach approximately $5.0
billion ( U.S. ) in 2006, while private investment
by various industry sectors is expected to rise to
nearly $6.0 billion in the same period.
About BASF
BASF
is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical
Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics,
performance products, agricultural products and
fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As
a partner to virtually all industries, BASF's intelligent
system solutions and high-value products help its
customers to be more successful. BASF develops
new technologies and uses them to open up additional
market opportunities. It combines economic success
with environmental protection and social responsibility,
thus contributing to a better future. In 2005, BASF
had approximately 81,000 employees and posted sales
of more than €42.7 billion. BASF shares are
traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS),
London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN). Further
information on BASF is available on the Internet
at www.basf.com . About FEI
FEI's
Tools for Nanotech™, featuring focused ion-
and electron-beam technologies, deliver 3D characterization,
analysis and modification capabilities with resolution
down to the sub- Å ngstrom level and provide
innovative solutions for customers working in NanoResearch,
NanoElectronics and NanoBiology. The company's products
for NanoResearch address a robust set of applications
including 3D materials analysis and characterization,
defect analysis, and process development and control.
With R&D centers in North America and Europe
, and sales and service operations in more than 40
countries around the world, FEI is bringing the nanoscale
within the grasp of leading researchers and manufacturers
and helping to turn some of the biggest ideas of
this century into reality. More information can be
found on the FEI website at: http://www.feicompany.com .
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