Micronic aquires direct write license for semiconductor applications

12/11/2000 4:04 AM EST

Täby, Sweden, December 11, 2000 - Micronic Laser Systems AB (OM Stockholm
Exchange: MICR), a company at the forefront of semiconductor and display
laser pattern generators for the production of photomasks to worldwide
electronic industries, today announced that it has extended its
partnership with Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and
Systems (IMS) to include all semiconductor direct write applications based
on Micronic's new revolutionary use of the spatial light modulator (SLM)
technology.

Micronic recently announced the first order for Sigma, a photomask pattern
generator based on this proprietary SLM technology that was licensed in
1998.

Through this agreement, Micronic has acquired a worldwide exclusive
license from Fraunhofer IMS to use its patented devices and methods for
direct write lithography to produce semiconductors.

"We have on a long term basis secured the possibility to broaden our
future business to include direct write applications and by that the
capability to cover fully the future needs of our semiconductor
customers," said Bert Jeppsson, President and CEO of Micronic Laser
Systems AB. "We are now considering various possibilities to explore this
thrilling business opportunity."

"Micronic has demonstrated a unique capability to industrialize novel
lithographic technologies for future generations of semiconductor
photomask making," said Professor Günter Zimmer, Director of Fraunhofer
IMS. "We feel confident that Micronic will further expand the important
SLM technology to also include direct write applications."

About Micronic Laser Systems
Micronic Laser Systems is a Swedish high-tech company engaged in the
development, manufacture and marketing of a series of extremely accurate
laser pattern generators for the production of photomasks. The technology
involved is known as microlithography. Micronic's systems are used by the
world's leading electronics companies in the manufacture of television and
computer displays, semiconductor circuits and semiconductor packaging
components.
Micronic is located in Täby, north of Stockholm and has subsidiaries in
the United States, Japan and Taiwan. Micronic is projecting to almost
triple its net sales from MSEK 213 in 1999 to exceed MSEK 600 for year
2000. Micronic also announced a projected strong improvement of the
operating margin for the full year. Micronic has around 260 employess
worldwide.

Micronic maintains a web-site at: www.micronic.se


About Fraunhofer
The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is Europe's leading organization for applied
research, with its headquarters located in Munich, Germany. It operates 47
research institutes with nearly 9,000 employees, half of them scientists
and engineers. The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft has expanded into a worldwide
network with locations in Germany, the USA and Asia.

Contact:Sven Löfquist, Executive Vice President, phone +46 8 638 52 10