Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESIO), a leading provider of world-class photonic and laser systems for microengineering applications, today announced that it has purchased all intellectual property (IP) rights and certain hardware and software components from XSiL Ltd., based in Dublin, Ireland. Based on robust technology, and supported by significant IP including a substantial patent portfolio, XSiL provided high-yield process solutions that improved die break strength and throughput for semiconductor wafer singulation applications. The agreement became effective during ESI's fiscal 2009 fourth quarter, enabling the Company to develop advanced thin wafer laser dicing systems by integrating XSiL's leading IP into its Cignis semiconductor processing platform.
“With over seven years of thin wafer laser dicing expertise, the purchase of XSiL's IP provides ESI with valuable process development and leading-edge technology,” said Nick Konidaris, president and CEO of ESI. “There is a growing demand for a laser-based process that can singulate thin silicon wafers, driven by the need to integrate more memory and functionality into mobile devices. We plan to combine XSiL's technology IP with our Cignis platform in order to accelerate our entry into the thin wafer laser dicing market. This IP purchase is an example of ESI's continuing efforts to provide our global customers with leading technology solutions that advance their product roadmaps.”
ESI is a pioneer and leading supplier of world-class photonic and laser systems that help its microelectronics customers achieve compelling yield and productivity gains. The company's industry-leading, application-specific products enhance electronic-device performance in three key sectors—semiconductors, components and electronic interconnect—by enabling precision fine-tuning of device microfeatures in high-volume manufacturing environments. Founded in 1944, ESI is headquartered in Portland, Ore.