Pleasanton, Calif. (March 7, 2013). Rolith, Inc., the leader in developing advanced nanostructured coatings and devices, today announces the successful installation of a 2nd-generation nanostructuring prototype tool built by SUSS MicroTec AG under exclusive license from Rolith, Inc. – the RML-2 tool. This prototype is based on a disruptive nanolithography method (Rolling Mask Lithography – RMLTM) developed by Rolith, Inc. It enables users to create nanostructures over large areas – up to 1m x 0.3 m - of substrate materials in a high throughput and cost effective manner.
Availability of high throughput and low cost nanopatterning technique enables improved performance and novel products for the renewable energy, electronics, and green building markets. High efficiency solar panels, high brightness LEDs, glare-free cell phone and TV screens, and Low-E glass windows are just a few examples of advanced products which could be enabled by RML technology. Rolith’s internationally patented method is based on a proprietary implementation of near-field optical lithography using cylindrically shaped rolling masks. The masks are manufactured by Rolith and can be customized to fit specific customer’s application requirements. Sub-wavelength resolution is achieved by phase-shift interference effect or plasmonic enhancement printing structures. Continuous rolling mask lithography has the potential to offer high throughput at low cost.
The RML-2 tool enhances capabilities initially demonstrated by the 1st generation tool, RML-1, built in 2011. RML-2 can process 1m long glass plates, multiple smaller glass plates, or semiconductor wafers using a conveyor-like substrate handler. In addition, RML process is quite tolerant to substrate non-flatness, which is beneficial for processing architectural glass windows or sapphire LED wafers.
To date the RML-2 tool was successfully installed and qualified at Rolith facilities in Pleasanton, California and at Asahi Glass Company’s R&D facility in Tokyo, Japan. Rolith continues to seek out additional joint development partners to commercialize various applications of its nanostructuring technology.
“We are very happy with the progress of development of our new lithography concept. Now, with the 2nd generation of Rolith’s lithography tools in the field, we can effectively address a rapidly growing interest in this technology from multiple industries,” said Dr. Boris Kobrin, founder and CEO, Rolith.
“The innovative optical nanolithography technology by Rolith together with our equipment solution allows printing of very small structures. With continuous rolling mask lithography, processing large substrate sizes is possible offering a completely new capability to our customers,” said Mr. Frank Averdung, President and CEO SÜSS MicroTec AG.
“This progress could enable us to create nanostructures over large areas and to apply in variety of markets.” said Mr. Hiroshi Usui, General Manager of AGC America, Inc.
ABOUT ROLITH, INC:
Rolith, Inc. is developing advanced nanostructured products for consumer electronics, solar and green building markets using a proprietary nanolithography technology. Rolith was formed by Dr. Boris Kobrin, Prof. Mark Brongersma and Julian Zegelman in 2008 and is currently located in Pleasanton, CA. The company holds a comprehensive patent portfolio in the areas of nanolithography, material deposition and etch methods, as well as nanophotonic devices. Rolith’s strategic partners include SUSS MicroTec AG and Asahi Glass Company Ltd. Its current investors are DFJ VTB Capital Aurora, a Draper Fisher Jurvetson affiliate fund managed by VTB Capital and AGC America, Inc., the venture arm of Asahi Glass Group.
ABOUT SUSS MicroTec AG:
SUSS MicroTec is a leading supplier of equipment and process solutions for microstructuring in the semiconductor industry and related markets. In close cooperation with research institutes and industry partners SUSS MicroTec contributes to the advancement of next-generation technologies such as 3D Integration and nanoimprint lithography as well as key processes for MEMS and LED manufacturing. With a global infrastructure for applications and service SUSS MicroTec supports more than 8,000 installed systems worldwide. SUSS MicroTec is headquartered in Garching near Munich, Germany. For more information, please visit http://www.suss.com.
ABOUT AGC:
AGC Group, with Asahi Glass Company Ltd. at it’s core, is a global solution provider for architectural, automotive and display glass, chemicals and other high-function materials and components. Drawing on more then a century of technological innovation, the Group has developed world-class core technologies in the fields including glass, chemicals and ceramics.
MEDIA CONTACTS
EASTWEST PR for Rolith, Inc.
Melinda Ilagan/Grace Yu
+65 6222 0306
SUSS MicroTec AG
Franka Schielke
Investor Relations
+49 89 32007 161
AGC
Hiroshi Usui
General Manager
+1 408 707 4264
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