QC Optics Expands Massachusetts Headquarters

WILMINGTON, Mass., June 14 -- QC Optics Inc. has added a two-tier demo lab to its Wilmington headquarters. The inspection systems manufacturer's new 1000-sq-ft demo lab is dedicated to the production of advanced photomask inspection tools.
The first tier contains the API-3000/5 inspection system for 0.5 µm defect detection and the DISKAN FA-2 failure analysis tool. The second tier contains the company's QCO-4000, which is designed for 0.25 µm defect detection using an advanced UV laser. The laser's shorter wavelength provides a smaller spot size and enhances discrimination of smaller defects. For demonstration purposes, these tools are used to scan customer-supplied sample photomasks.
QC Optics manufactures inspection systems for the semiconductor and computer hard disk drive manufacturing markets. These systems detect defects prior to semiconductor production, preventing a customer from using a damaged or defective reticle to manufacture a device.