Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Chalmers University of Technology Adds Imago LEAP Atom Probe to Applied Physics Microscopy and Microanalysis Center

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Abstract:
Atomic-scale, three-dimensional imaging and analysis complements advanced analytical capabilities of Chalmers' world-class research center

Chalmers University of Technology Adds Imago LEAP Atom Probe to Applied Physics Microscopy and Microanalysis Center

Hillsboro, OR and Madison, WI | Posted on September 8th, 2008

FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC) and Imago Scientific Instruments jointly announced today that Chalmers University has installed Imago's LEAP® 3000X HR® atom probe in the university's Applied Physics Microscopy and Microanalysis facility, based in Göteborg, Sweden. The atomic-scale, three-dimensional imaging and analysis provided by the atom probe complements the advanced capabilities of the institute's existing suite of FEI systems, and further enhances the facility's reputation as a world-class center for atomic-scale research.

Imago President, Emmanuel Lakios, commented, "This is the sixth atom probe system that Imago has installed in Europe. We are honored to have been selected by Chalmers University and are gratified at the expanding installed base of Imago atom probes."

"The Chalmers University selection of instruments from Imago and FEI demonstrates the winning combination of our technologies and companies," stated Don Kania, president and CEO of FEI. "FEI and Imago recently announced a comprehensive collaboration on the distribution and marketing of Imago's LEAP product line, as the microscopes are complementary to the FEI Titan™ family of scanning transmission electron microscopes (S/TEM)."

Chalmers Professor, Krystyna Stiller, adds, "The LEAP atom probe has the unique ability to build a three-dimensional representation of the sample that includes the type and location of every atom in the sampled volume. Like TEM, it can interrogate the sample on the scale of individual atoms, but it provides information that is different and complementary. For example, the projection mechanism of TEM is very good at visualizing spatial relationships among atoms (crystallography), whereas the atom-by-atom mass-based identification of the atom probe can distinguish among atomic species that would generate little contrast in TEM. The atom probe also side-steps TEM's requirement for ultrathin samples and eliminates the thickness of the sample as a factor determining the quality of the result."

The Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Group at Chalmers has more than 30 years experience developing and utilizing atom probe instrumentation. Chalmers selected Imago's LEAP atom probe after a competitive evaluation of the technical capabilities of several atom probe solutions. Key performance criteria in the final selection were Imago's best-in-class mass resolution and data rate. Imago's LEAP 3000X HR microscope will compliment the FEI systems already in use at the facility, including: Titan™ 80-300 S/TEM, Strata™ DB-235 DualBeam™, and Quanta™ 200 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM).

About Chalmers University of Technology

Located in Göteborg, Sweden, Chalmers is a top-tier technology university at which research and teaching are conducted on a broad front within technology, natural science and architecture. The university's inspiration lies in the joy of discovery and the desire to learn. Underlying everything Chalmers does is a wish to contribute to sustainable development both in Sweden and world-wide. Chalmers was founded in 1829 as a result of a donation from the director of the Swedish East India Company, William Chalmers. For more information, see www.chalmers.se/en/.

About Imago Scientific Instruments

Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation is the recognized world leader in the development of atom probe tools and solutions for manufacturers, engineers, scientists and researchers involved in the nano-technology revolution. Imago has a worldwide customer base and delivers support from a number of locations in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific. For more information, see www.imago.com.

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About FEI Company
FEI (Nasdaq: FEIC) is the world leader in pioneering technologies and applications that deliver imaging solutions for 3D characterization, analysis and modification/prototyping with resolutions down to the sub-Ångström level. Our customers, working in advanced research and manufacturing, are supported by field-experienced applications specialists. They have open access to FEI’s prestigious global user network so they can succeed in accelerating nanoscale discovery and contribute to better living through new product commercialization. FEI’s NanoPorts in North America, Europe and Asia provide centers of technical excellence where our world-class community of customers and specialists collaborate on the ongoing development of new ideas and innovative solutions. FEI has sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world.

FEI Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements about the expected benefits from the use of the Imago atom probe tool and the use of that tool in conjunction with an FEI TEM. Factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the performance of the FEI and Imago products and FEI’s and Imago’s respective ability to effectively deploy technologies in products. Please also refer to the company's Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. FEI assumes no duty to update any forward-looking statements.

FEI, the FEI logo, DualBeam, Strata, Quanta and Titan are trademarks or registered trademarks of FEI Company, and Imago and LEAP are trademarks or registered trademarks of Imago Scientific Instruments.

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