News in brief: VG Semicon, Cerxon and Riber
Thermo VG Semicon and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) have jointly established a new facility for MBE process development. The new facility, located at UMIST (Manchester, UK), will be opened in late 2002.
The laboratory features a new V100 multi-wafer MBE reactor and V90H research MBE system, in addition to metrology and device fabrication equipment and lecture rooms. Using UMIST’s academic setting, the new facility will provide a range of services for Thermo VG Semicon customers, including equipment demonstrations and training, collaborative growth process development and summer school courses in MBE technology.
“UMIST’s experience in semiconductor materials and devices together with Thermo VG Semicon’s MBE equipment expertise provides a unique capability,” said Larry Leung, Thermo VG Semicon’s Process Development Manager. “This innovative collaboration allows us to offer a broader range of support solutions to the semiconductor market.”
"UMIST is one of the UK s leading centers of excellence in semiconductor materials and electronics,” added Mohamed Missous, UMIST Chair of Semiconductor Materials and Devices. “We are pleased to extend our relationship with both industry and the advanced materials research community through this very exciting collaboration with Thermo VG Semicon"
Cerxon opens new thick film prototype development lab
Cerxon Microtechnologies, a manufacturer of hybrid microelectronic substrates for military, communications, automotive, medical and consumer applications, has opened a new thick film prototype development lab in its Martinsville, VA, facility. The new lab is designed for rapid turnaround of prototype and low-to-mid volume production of thick film hybrid circuits. The lab encompasses, in one facility, engineering design and layout, onsite screen tool development, laser machining of ceramic substrates, thick film printing of metal networks and passive components, firing and precision laser trimming.
Complementing Cerxon’s experience in high volume substrates for the communications industry, this lab “significantly enhances our ability to deliver rapid turn-around on new product designs and short run projects,” says Michael Nixon, Cerxon’s executive VP.
Riber reports H1 2002 financial results
MBE equipment manufacturer Riber has reported its financial results for the first half of 2002 ended June 30. Riber is suffering from the sales decline that is impacting many semiconductor processing equipment suppliers. The company’s sales were 13.6 million Euros ($13.46 million), down 38% on the year ago period. Riber reported a net loss of 0.5 million Euros compared to a profit of 3.3 million Euro in the year ago period. Production machines accounted for 73% of its sales with the company delivering three MBE 49 machines and one MBE 7000 machine during the period.