San Jose, CA - January 13, 2005 -- Olympus Integrated Technologies America (ITA), a subsidiary of Olympus Corporation of Japan, known for high quality, semiconductor systems and software for wafer inspection and defect review, announced an agreement with one of the world’s largest US integrated device manufacturers (IDMs). Under the agreement, the IDM will purchase additional 300mm wafer inspection systems from Olympus. The first order for Olympus’ AL3100 systems was in Q1 2004, with the second order delivered at the end of 2004. The systems will provide both inspection and defect review capabilities.

The AL3100 provides 200 and 300mm wafer inspection and defect review capability in a single small footprint. It performs a broad range of inspection and defect review tasks, tracking defects and maximizing yields for manufacturers on the leading edge of semiconductor processes. Flexible load port configuration allows the system to adapt to any manufacturing area layout requirement. This system can integrate 248nm deep ultraviolet (DUV) optics with a broad range of visible light imaging methods to increase the resolution limit of standard optical inspection to 0.08 micron. Compliance with 300mm factory automation standards further helps Olympus customers to reduce cost and improve performance in the factory.

"We are pleased that the initial order of AL3100 inspection and review stations was so well received that additional machines have been purchased," commented Greg Baker, chief operating officer of Olympus-ITA. "It is a testament to the quality of the Olympus machines, the support from ITA’s team, and the fast, efficient solution for process engineering, quality control, and yield enhancement in high volume production environments that these systems provide."

About Olympus-Integrated Technologies America
Olympus Integrated Technologies America, Inc. (ITA) was founded in March 2000 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan. Specializing in semiconductor products and systems for wafer inspection and defect review, ITA is the application software development R&D center for Olympus semiconductor products. Its location in San Jose, California, enables the company to respond quickly to provide sales, service, and support to semiconductor companies throughout the United States. For more information contact Greg Baker at 408-514-3918, or email gbaker@olympus-ita.com, or visit our website at www.olympus-ita.com.