Siemens and Xintek Form Joint Venture to Develop Nanotechnology-Enabled Multi-Pixel X-ray Tubes
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept. 18 -- Siemens Medical Solutions (www.usa.siemens.com/medical) and Xintek Inc. announce today that they have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company in Research Triangle Park, N.C. The mission of the new company, named XinRay Systems, is to develop a new multi-pixel X-ray source technology for a broad range of diagnostic imaging applications.
X-ray radiation is widely used today for a broad range of applications, including medical imaging and therapy, homeland security, and industrial inspection. The basic design of the X-ray tubes, however, has not changed significantly since Roentgen's discovery over a hundred years ago. Siemens and Xintek have developed a nanotechnology-based field emission X-ray source technology that fundamentally changes how X-ray radiation is generated and utilized. This technology is expected to enable new diagnostic imaging systems with enhanced performance and new capabilities.
"Siemens has a long, proud history as a leader in the development of X-ray sources for various imaging applications," said Peter Schardt, Ph.D., department head, research and development, Siemens Medical Solutions. "Through our joint venture with Xintek we look forward to adding another chapter in our history of innovation by further advancing X-ray with the incorporation of breakthrough nanotechnologies."
"We are pleased to form this joint venture with Siemens and look forward to working together to realize the potential opportunities in bringing nanotechnology and X-ray technology together in the diagnostic X-ray imaging field," said Otto Zhou, Ph.D., chairman, Xintek.
The joint venture company combines the activities Siemens and Xintek have been undertaking jointly over the last two years under one roof in North Carolina and is staffed by a strong technical team transferred from Xintek and Siemens facilities in Germany and China.
About Xintek
Xintek Inc. is based in the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina. The company develops nanotechnology-based products for industries, including X-ray imaging and information display. Xintek is a spin-off from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additional information regarding Xintek can be found at www.xintek.com.
About Siemens Medical Solutions
Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics -- such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics -- mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30). Further information can be found by visiting usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.
Source: Siemens Medical Solutions
CONTACT: LuJean Smith of Siemens Medical Solutions, +1-610-448-1473, lujean.smith@siemens.com; or Shan Bai of Xintek, Inc., +1-919-524-4702, sbai@xintek.com
Web site: http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical
http://www.xintek.com/
