Cymer and Carl Zeiss Form New Business

Cymer Inc., a supplier of deep-UV sources used in semiconductor manufacturing, and Carl Zeiss SMT AG, a manufacturer of optical systems for chip manufacturing and process control, have created a joint venture to improve low-temperature polysilicon processes for the flat panel display market. Known as TCZ GmbH (Team Cymer Zeiss), the San Diego-based business supplies a thin-beam crystallization tool that helps reduce the cost of the processes. Cymer, of San Diego, owns 60 percent of the venture, while Zeiss, of Oberkochen, Germany, holds 40 percent.