Nanometrics Introduces Newest Optical CD Metrology Products Enabling Cost-Saving Advanced Process Control.

NanoStation[TM] Remote Analysis Uses Latest Generation RCWA-Based OCD Software

MILPITAS, Calif. -- Nanometrics Incorporated (Nasdaq:NANO), a leading supplier of advanced metrology equipment to the semiconductor industry, today introduced its newest equipment and software products for optical critical dimension (OCD) metrology, a vital need in improving the manufacturability of advanced semiconductor device designs. The new NanoStation system is a remote analysis station incorporating the latest generation rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA)-based OCD software.

The NanoStation features state-of-the-art multi-core CPU technology and Nanometrics' advanced ADAP scatterometry modeling software. It enables process engineers to utilize the full power of OCD measurement technologies, including both normal incidence reflectometry (NI-OCD) and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE-OCD) methods, and quickly transfer data between Nanometrics' standalone and integrated platforms - Atlas, FLX and 9010 Series systems. Nanometrics has already begun shipping its new NanoStation systems.

"Increased OCD capability is a critical component to an advanced process control (APC) strategy that will help ensure that future semiconductor designs become reality through lower device costs," said David Doyle, director of product marketing at Nanometrics. "Faster validation of structural models and implementation of robust OCD measurement recipes improves statistical process control of key yield-impacting parameters. It reduces time-to-yield, thus lowering device costs."

"Our latest OCD software release has been designed to provide significant advancements in 3-D profile modeling for complex structures required for 45nm and 32nm technology," added Doyle. "The flexibility of both turnkey and software-only solutions enables cost of ownership benefits and ease of deployment to our customers."

About Nanometrics

Nanometrics is a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of high-performance process control metrology systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. Nanometrics standalone and integrated metrology systems measure various thin film properties, critical dimensions, overlay control and optical, electrical and material properties, including the structural composition of silicon and compound semiconductor devices, during various steps of the manufacturing process. These systems enable semiconductor manufacturers to improve yields, increase productivity and lower their manufacturing costs. The Company maintains its headquarters in Milpitas, California, with sales and service offices worldwide. Nanometrics is traded on NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol NANO. Nanometrics' website is http://www.nanometrics.com.