Georgia Tech Nanotechnology Research Center selects Olympus as Microscopy/Imaging Partner


Center Valley, Pa., July 28, 2010 - Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) has named Olympus America Inc. as a key partner for its Nanotechnology Research Center (NRC). Olympus will provide researchers with advanced microscopes, camera equipment and software to meet a variety of optical imaging needs.

The Georgia Tech NRC (http://grover.mirc.gatech.edu/) is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology research. It is one of only 14 United States academic centers in the National Science Foundation-supported National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network. The NRC serves nearly 600 researchers each year, of whom more than a third come from other universities, colleges, companies and government laboratories in the U.S. and abroad. It facilitates interdisciplinary research in micro- and nano-fabrication and characterization and welcomes outside individuals to use its facilities. Its new Marcus Nanotechnology Building merges nanotechnology and biological sciences with a clean room offering BSL-1 and BSL-2 clean room bays.

The suite of Olympus instruments installed at Georgia Tech includes the flagship LEXT OLS4000® laser scanning confocal 3D measuring microscope. The LEXT provides high-resolution imaging, submicron critical dimension measurements, film thickness measurements and non-contact surface analysis with full traceability. The world's first laser-based, dual-confocal system optimized to operate at 405 nanometers, the system allows researchers, engineers and technicians to measure and image angles up to 85 degrees accurately. It quickly and easily accommodates samples that have multiple reflectivity levels and offers what may be the first-ever accuracy and repeatability guarantee provided by an industrial confocal system manufacturer.

Georgia Tech also has acquired semiconductor inspection microscopes from Olympus. These include an MX51® inspection microscope configured for critical near-infrared observation through silicon for nondestructive viewing of structures deep inside wafers. In addition, three MX61 wafer inspection microscopes configured for general optical inspection will be available for use. The digital imaging and analysis software provided by Olympus offers even greater benefit to researchers by making it possible to do basic metrology and share images acquired on all the optical tools.

"We are delighted to have been selected by one of America's premier educational institutions to provide key equipment that will help researchers push back the frontiers of nanotechnology research," said Matt Smith, director of sales and marketing for Olympus America Inc.'s Scientific Equipment Group - Industrial Microscopes.

"By providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and instruments in the NRC, we believe that we are facilitating great advancements in areas as vital and diverse as drug delivery, green energy development and consumer technology," added NRC associate director Kevin Martin.

For more information about Olympus instruments at Georgia Tech, contact David Rideout, Olympus America Inc., at david.rideout@olympus.com.

About Olympus Scientific Equipment Group - Industrial Microscopes

Olympus industrial microscopes and metrology systems play a leading role in precision R&D, engineering and manufacturing applications in fields as diverse as aerospace, the automotive industry, electronics, materials science/metallurgy, medical devices, photovoltaics, and semiconductors. Olympus continues to be a leader in optical design and advanced quality innovation. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com/industrialmicroscopes.

About Olympus

Olympus is a precision technology leader, creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

· Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;

· Advanced clinical and research microscopes;

· Digital cameras and voice recorders.

Olympus serves the healthcare field with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

About Georgia Tech

The Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the world's premier research universities. Ranked seventh among U.S. News & World Report's top public universities and the eighth best engineering and information technology university in the world by Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Academic Ranking of World Universities, Georgia Tech's more than 20,000 students are enrolled in its Colleges of Architecture, Computing, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Management and Sciences. Tech is among the nation's top producers of women and minority engineers. The Institute offers research opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students and is home to more than 100 interdisciplinary units plus the Georgia Tech Research Institute. To make an appointment to use the Olympus LEXT microscope or any other tools at the NRC, please contact Kevin Martin at kmartin@prism.gatech.edu.

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