Cree Reports Blue Laser Results
Source: Cree, Inc.
Continuous Wave Operation Exceeds 100 Hours Laser Diodes Produce up to 100 Milliwatts of CW Power
DURHAM, N.C. Cree, Inc. today reported recent operating results for its blue laser device on silicon carbide (SiC). The company announced continuous wave (CW) lifetime in excess of 100 hours with an operating output power of 1 to 3 milliwatts.
Neal Hunter, Chairman and CEO stated, ``We believe we now understand the fundamental key to long life continuous wave operation on silicon carbide. Having reached this important milestone, we expect future progress to occur at a rapid pace. The performance reported today allows us to begin initial design work with systems manufacturers.
The company has also demonstrated up to 100 milliwatts of CW power from a single device, dramatically exceeding the 30 to 40 milliwatt level presently required for read/write applications. This power level is believed adequate to meet the market requirements for virtually all consumer optical storage applications. The company s commercial challenge now moves to further increasing lifetimes and reducing costs.
North Carolina-based Cree, Inc. develops and manufactures semiconductor materials and devices based on silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN) and related compounds. The company s products include blue and green LEDs, RF power transistors for use in wireless infrastructure applications, SiC crystals used in the production of unique gemstones and SiC wafers sold for use in research and development. Cree has new product initiatives based on its experience in SiC and GaN-based semiconductors, including blue laser diodes for optical storage applications, high frequency microwave devices for radar and other communications systems, and power devices for power conditioning and switching. For more information on Cree, visit http://www.cree.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including the risk we may encounter further delays or be unable to achieve additional technology breakthroughs required to produce blue laser diodes with power levels and lifetimes required for commercially viable products; the risk we will be unable to manufacture such products with sufficiently low cost to offer them at competitive prices or with acceptable margins; the rapid development of new technologies that could lead to competing products or otherwise reduce the expected demand for blue laser diodes; and other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 25, 2000.
Web site: http://www.cree.com
