Oxford, UK, October 7, 2003. Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, has acquired the assets of Thermo VG Semicon, a supplier of Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) equipment. VG Semicon has been an innovative force in MBE since its introduction as a research tool in the 1970s. In partnership with its key customers, it has driven the major technological developments that have seen MBE move from a research tool to a fully-fledged production technology.
The company's V100 is the most widely used MBE system worldwide for the mass production of advanced, gallium arsenide-based electronic devices, which are extensively employed as low-noise amplifiers and switches in the latest generation of mobile and cellular telephones. It has more than 150 of its V80H research systems installed worldwide and its recently launched EpiStar CV200 (SiGe deposition technology) is enabling the production of the latest generation of advanced semiconductors.
VG Semicon has earned an international reputation for the design and manufacture of high performance, high reliability process systems and offers a wealth of experience to assist its customers in the achievement of their goals. Earlier this year, the company received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the category Innovation for its V100 MBE system.
Jim Hutchins, Managing Director of Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology commented: "We are delighted with the acquisition of VG Semicon. We had previously identified MBE technology as an area that would offer an excellent strategic fit with our existing business. VG Semicon is also a recognised leader in its field and we believe we can achieve significant synergies in manufacturing, product development and sales and support operations, particularly since we already serve many of the same customers. We look forward to reaffirming its number one position in the market place."
Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology already serves the compound semiconductor market, providing etching (RIE, ICP and Ion Beam) and PECVD equipment. This development will enable OIPT to extend the range of technologies offered to its existing customers, and also benefit from the existing market contacts of VG Semicon.
For more information, visit www.oxinst.co.uk .
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