Electro Scientific Industries,
Inc. (Nasdaq:ESIO), a leading provider of world-class photonic and laser
systems for microengineering applications, today announced its LaserMill system
has been production qualified for the cleaning of Cascade Microtech's advanced
probe tips. Based on the success of the system, Cascade Microtech - a leading
provider of advanced wafer probing solutions - has implemented the LaserMill
as the process tool of record for probe tip cleaning in its Beaverton, Ore.
manufacturing facility.
“As the leader in advanced wafer probing solutions, our customers rely
on our products to electrically test chips in both engineering and production
environments,” explained Jamey Eriksen, probes manufacturing engineering
manager at Cascade Microtech, Inc. “After researching all the currently
available techniques, Cascade has chosen to adopt ESI’s laser-based solution
as the fastest, most reliable and lowest cost-of-ownership probe tip cleaning
process in the manufacturing of our advanced probe cards. We look forward to
furthering our relationship with ESI and to developing next-generation technologies
that continue to expand our market leadership.”
Michael Stubelt, marketing director of ESI’s New Wave Research Division
noted, "This production qualification is an example of how our close customer
relationships enable us to develop disruptive solutions that address key needs
in the market. The LaserMill system was specifically modified to run fully-automated
repair and cleaning applications on Cascade’s probe cards. By leveraging
our technology portfolio, we developed a new solution with significant cost-of-ownership
and yield benefits and penetrated a previously untapped market for ESI. Cascade
Microtech is a valued partner and we will continue to work to provide innovative
solutions that enable our global customers’ manufacturing goals.”
LaserMill Micromachining System
ESI’s LaserMill micromachining system provides a turnkey solution equipped
with a solid-state YAG laser, 3-axis stages and video-microscope with zoom magnification,
all completely software controlled. Providing a compact, solid-state laser alternative
to excimer lasers, the LaserMill enables cutting, drilling, scribing, microchanneling,
ablation and other precision applications at the lowest cost-of-ownership.