August
09, 2005 --- Xaar
plc is pleased to announce a Joint Development
Agreement with Molecular Imprints Inc. ("MII")
of Austin, TX, USA. MII, a spinout from the University
of Texas, has developed a unique combination of lithography
and 3-dimensional printing to pattern nano-scale
devices and structures incorporating Xaar's inkjet
technology.
The MII technique is based on a Step and Flash Imprint
Lithography (S-FIL™)
process, and MII holds over 100 patents covering all aspects of the technology
and its implementation. MII has developed a range of equipment using the S-FIL
process in conjunction with Xaar's inkjet printheads and electronics from Xaar
subsidiary, Vivid Print Innovations Inc. This equipment is now being sold to
integrated circuit makers, chip makers and device makers in a wide range of
markets including semi-conductor component devices, photonic and optical structures,
nano fabrication, data storage and advanced packaging.
MII sells its equipment direct to end users or via distributors which include
Carl Zeiss SMT, KLA Tencor Corp. and Hakuto.
Commenting on the agreement, Nigel Berry, head of business development for
Xaar, said; "I am delighted to announce this tie up with MII, a leading innovator
in the use of imprint lithography to radically restructure future production
processes in the semiconductor and device market. Not only did the team at
MII develop their unique technology, but they went on to raise significant
funding in order to commercialise it, and have now brought an impressive range
of equipment to market. We are pleased they consider Xaar and its technology
to be an ideal partner for them and we look forward to working with them to
incorporate the next generation of our technology into their development programme." (www.xaar.co.uk).
Commenting from MII, S.V. Sreenivasan, CT0, said: "We are pleased to announce
this agreement with Xaar and Vivid. These two companies are the leaders in
fluid dispense technology and will continue to provide the pioneering work
required for our nanolithography applications. We look forward to a long and
productive relationship with them." (www.molecularimprints.com ).
About Xaar:
Xaar plc is a market-leading ink jet technology company. It targets the world's
office, commercial and industrial printing markets. The office printing market
is approached through Xaar's licensees; the industrial printing market is targeted
by XaarJet, the manufacturing arm of Xaar; and a combination of partners and
key players work with Xaar to serve the commercial printing market. Vivid Print
Innovations, the applications division of Xaar, provides Xaar's in-house specialist
integration service.
For more information visit www.xaar.co.uk
About Molecular Imprints:
Molecular Imprints, Inc. (MII) is a global developer and manufacturer of nano-lithography
systems for high resolution and for 3-dimensional pattern replication. The
company has commercialized the unique Step and Flash Imprint Lithography technology
(S-FIL), which is a simple step and repeat, room temperature, low pressure,
nano-imprint process that has demonstrated sub-20 nanometer resolution. Molecular
Imprints provides enabling lithography systems and technology for manufacturing
applications in the areas of: nano-devices, micro structures, advanced packaging,
bio-devices, optical components and semiconducting devices.
For more information visit www.molecularimprints.com
Contacts:
Cathy Young
Xaar plc
+44 (0)1223 423663
Cathy.Young@XAAR.CO.UK
Laura French
+44 (0)1372 464470
lfrench@adcomms.co.uk
Angela Ausman
1-512-334-1203
angela@molecularimprints.com
|