Isonics and Cermet Announce Joint Development Program for Isotopically Pure Zinc Oxide
Source: Isonics Corporation and Cermet, Inc.
Golden, CO. Isonics Corporation (NasdaqSC: ISON/ISONL/ISONZ) and (Frankfurt: IO9) a leader in the development of isotopically engineered semiconductor materials and Atlanta-based Cermet, Inc., a leader in the development of compound semiconductors have announced a joint development program to evaluate isotopically pure zinc-64 oxide as a substrate for manufacturing blue LEDs and blue laser diodes for next generation optical storage and telecommunications.
Cermet is developing single crystal ZnO as a replacement for aluminum oxide and silicon carbide substrates for the manufacture of gallium nitride opto-electronic devices. The partners are interested in evaluating the possible improved thermal conductivity of isotopically pure zinc oxide.
Jeff Nause, President of Cermet, commented, "Proper thermal management is critical for many gallium nitride devices currently under development. If a meaningful improvement in thermal conductivity can be obtained for zinc oxide, it could mean improved lifetimes and reliability for gallium nitride devices."
"This collaboration is one of a number we have established with technology leaders such as Cermet to evaluate the properties of isotopically pure semiconductor materials, Dr. Stephen Burden, Isonics Vice President of Semiconductor Materials noted.
Isonics will supply isotopically pure zinc oxide powder that will be converted into single crystal wafers by Cermet using their proprietary process. Thermal conductivity and other properties will be measured. Isonics will also supply isotopically pure zinc in the form of diethyl zinc for Cermet to fabricate various MOCVD based devices. The program is expected to take about 12 to 18 months to complete.
About Cermet Inc. Atlanta, Georgia-based Cermet, Inc. develops and manufactures semiconductor materials and devices based on zinc oxide (ZnO), gallium nitride (GaN) and related compounds. The company s products include ZnO substrates sold for use in blue light emitting diodes, blue laser diodes for next generation optical storage applications, high frequency microwave devices for radar and other communications systems, and next generation optical telecommunication systems. For more information on Cermet, visit www.cermetinc.com.
About Isonics Corporation
Isonics is a world leader in isotopically engineered materials and produces isotopically pure silicon-28 chemicals and wafers for the semiconductor industry. Isonics also markets and sells stable isotopes for the health care industry such as carbon-13 for diagnostic breath tests and drug design, and oxygen-18 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Stable isotopes can be thought of as ultra pure materials. For additional information visit www.isonics.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, this document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company s actual results or outcomes to be materially different from those anticipated and discussed herein, and which may result in the parties being unable or unwilling to complete the transaction described herein. Further, the Company operates in industries where securities values may be volatile and may be influenced by regulatory and other factors beyond the Company s control. Other important factors that the Company believes might cause such differences are discussed in the risk factors detailed in the Company s 10-KSB for the year ended April 30, 2001 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which include the Company s cash flow difficulties, dependence on significant customers, and rapid development of technology, among other risks. In assessing forward-looking statements contained herein, readers are urged to carefully read all cautionary statements contained in the Company s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact: Cameron Associates Michael Brod, 212/245-8800 michael@cameronassoc.com or Isonics Corporation Dr. Stephen J. Burden sburden@isonics.com
Cameron AssociatesMichael Brod, 212/245-8800
michael@cameronassoc.com
or
Isonics Corporation
Dr. Stephen J. Burden
sburden@isonics.com
E-mail: sburden@isonics.com
Web site: http://www.isonics.com
