Laser Photonics to supply laser systems to Tokyo Electron Ltd.

ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 1996--Laser Photonics (OTC-BB:LSPT) announced today that its Analytical Division (LPAD) has entered into an agreement with INDECO Inc. to supply several tunable diode laser systems.

The initial order is valued at $600,000 and additional orders could exceed $2,000,000. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will deliver the first system in September 1996.

INDECO Inc., the exclusive distributor of LPAD in Japan, will be distributing the diode laser systems to Tokyo Electronics Ltd., the largest semiconductor manufacturer in Japan. Tokyo Electronics was contracted by the Research Development Corp. of Japan (RDCJ), an agency of the Japanese government, to develop future generation Plasma Etching Systems for use by semiconductor manufacturers.

LPAD's tunable diode laser system was chosen to be used as an integral component in future generation Plasma Etching Systems used in the production of semiconductors destined for computers and communications. "Plasma etching is a process which creates electronic circuit designs during the fabrication of semiconductor wafers," commented Ed Renfer, LPAD's general manager. "The key to next generation of semiconductor devices rests with the ability to achieve precise and repeatable damage-free, high-density plasma processing of 0.18 um, or finer, devices. The manufacturers which adopt these goals will produce high circuit density devices which will be many times more powerful than anything available today."

Renfer also added, "LPAD's laser system will allow these manufacturers to obtain the process control needed for higher yielding, faster and more reliable semiconductor devices. We are indeed excited that Laser Photonics state-of-the-art laser systems were chosen to be used in the development of this 21st century technology."

Steve Qualls, president and CEO of Laser Photonics, said, "Tokyo Electronics and the RDCJ are committed to advanced electronics technology. RDCJ has committed a significant budget for the development of this ground-breaking technology which was developed by Dr. Goto of Nogoya University. We expect a minimum of 20 additional systems to be ordered from other Japanese semiconductor manufacturers and research groups."

Laser Photonics' Analytical Division has a long history in supplying similar lasers, which have been used for advanced research, such as high resolution spectroscopy and atmospheric chemistry. In addition, industrial systems have been used for combustion diagnostic studies and pollution monitoring. These are "high end" instruments designed for research which requires a high level of sophistication and performance.

Laser Photonics designs, develops and manufactures solid state and gas laser systems for use in medical and scientific applications. AccuLase, a subsidiary of Laser Photonics, has designed and manufactured an excimer laser for use in Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) and has successfully completed pre-clinical trials. AccuLase expects to file for IDE approval within the next 30 days and to commence Phase I trials sometime this summer.

LPI is majority owned by Helionetics (OTC-BB:HLXC).

CONTACT: Laser Photonics

Steve Qualls, President/CEO

407/281-4103

or

Laser Photonics Analytical Division

Ed Renfer, General Manager

1-800-344-0621