Fleet Adoption across Several Leading 3D-NAND Device Manufacturers
MILPITAS, Calif., June 09, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nanometrics Incorporated (NASDAQ:NANO), a leading provider of advanced
process control systems, today announced the launch of IMPULSE®+, its latest system for integrated process control
enabling both optical critical dimension (OCD) and thin film metrology. The IMPULSE+ has already been deployed for
high-volume manufacturing of second-generation 3D-NAND as well as development of third-generation devices.
“Many of our customers have traditionally relied upon thin film measurements for chemical mechanical polish (CMP) control, and
are now migrating to OCD technology for better correlation to device performance and yield,” commented Dr. Srini Vedula, vice
president of OCD/Thin Film Solutions at Nanometrics. “Beginning with our 3D-NAND launch partner, the enhanced performance and
features of the IMPULSE+ have driven rapid adoption, acceptance and deployment by multiple customers. With best-in-class
deep-ultraviolet (DUV) optics and improvements in productivity, IMPULSE+ offers both maximum sensitivity and accuracy to detect CMP
process excursions. Additionally, our existing customer investments in process equipment and metrology can be extended by
enabling seamless field upgrades from IMPULSE to IMPULSE+.”
The IMPULSE+ works in conjunction with Nanometrics’ NanoDiffract® software suite, for critical dimension modeling and
control as well as part of a larger fleet of IMPULSE, Trajectory™ T3, and Atlas® family of systems to provide
comprehensive fab-wide control. Nanometrics is the industry pioneer in integrated metrology with the broadest suite of
offerings qualified on platforms for CMP, deposition, lithography track and etch systems. The IMPULSE+ can be deployed across
key steps in DRAM, 3D-NAND, CMOS image sensor, and foundry/logic devices.
About Nanometrics
Nanometrics is a leading provider of advanced, high-performance process control metrology and inspection systems used primarily in
the fabrication of semiconductors and other solid-state devices, including sensors, optoelectronic devices, high-brightness LEDs,
discretes and data storage components. Nanometrics’ automated and integrated metrology systems measure critical dimensions,
device structures, topography and various thin film properties, including three-dimensional features and film thickness, as well as
optical, electrical and material properties. The company’s process control solutions are deployed throughout the fabrication
process, from front-end-of-line substrate manufacturing, to high-volume production of semiconductors and other devices, to advanced
three-dimensional wafer-level packaging applications. Nanometrics’ systems enable advanced process control for device
manufacturers, providing improved device yield at reduced manufacturing cycle time, supporting the accelerated product life cycles
in the semiconductor and other advanced device markets. The company maintains its headquarters in Milpitas, California, with sales
and service offices worldwide. Nanometrics is traded on NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol NANO. Nanometrics’ website is
http://www.nanometrics.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those described in this release. Although Nanometrics believes that the expectations
reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from these expectations due to a
variety of factors, including, but not limited to, shifts in the timing of product deliveries, the failure to achieve
improved processes, the rate of adoption of our products, customer spending plans, and general economic conditions. For additional
information and considerations regarding the risks faced by Nanometrics that could cause actual results to differ materially, see
its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 24, 2016, including under the caption “Risk Factors,” as well as other periodic reports filed with the SEC from time to
time. Nanometrics disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement, except as required by
law.
Investor Relations Contact: Claire McAdams Headgate Partners LLC 530.265.9899 claire@headgatepartners.com Company Contact: Kevin Heidrich Nanometrics Inc. 408.545.6000 kheidrich@nanometrics.com
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