ESI's LaserMill Micromachining System Selected To Aid In The Battle Against Parkinson's Disease

Main Category: Parkinson's Disease
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 19 Apr 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Electro Scientific Industries (Nasdaq: ESIO), a leading provider of world-class photonic and laser systems for microengineering applications, announced that Lund University in Sweden has selected ESI's LaserMill micromachining system for use in a cutting-edge, scientific application. The system will be utilized by Lund University researchers in the production of micro-wires and circuitry used to combat the effects of Parkinson's disease. It is believed that the wires and circuitry-which could eventually be implanted into the human brain-will conduct minute amounts of electrical current to specific areas of the brain to lessen the impairment of motor skills associated with Parkinson's.

"We are thrilled to be aiding Lund University with such revolutionary research and development," said Michael Stubelt, director of marketing for ESI's New Wave Research Division. "This is an unusual application for our LaserMill system, but it underscores the tool's wide versatility and remarkable accuracy. The system offers significant flexibility by allowing users to switch between two wavelengths (532nm/355nm), while performing micro-precision cutting of various materials and surfaces. While the average human hair has a diameter of between 17um to 181um, the tool's high precision enables Lund's researchers to work with wires as small as 5um in diameter. As a result, we are especially optimistic that the LaserMill will provide Lund University, as it has to our entire global customer base, with exceptional reliability and ROI, and will continue to break ground in new and exciting applications."

About the LaserMill Micromachining System

The LaserMill Benchtop Micromachining System is equipped with a solid-state, YAG laser with multiple, flexible wavelengths (532nm or 355nm). The system has 2½ axis stages as well as a video microscope, both of which are completely controlled by a reliable and user-friendly Windows XP-based software. The system yields sharp and repeatable results which range from simple holes to complex patterns.

About Lund University

The university was founded in 1666. Today it is an international centre for research and education that has approximately 38,000 students. Lund University is respected as one of the best universities in Sweden. Lund has an excellent academic reputation with a large number of visiting professors and international students. More information about Lund University can be found at http://www.lu.se/lund-university.

About ESI, Inc.

ESI is a pioneer and leading supplier of world-class photonic and laser systems that help its microelectronics customers achieve compelling yield and productivity gains. The company's industry-leading, application-specific products enhance electronic-device performance in three key sectors-semiconductors, components and electronic interconnect-by enabling precision fine-tuning of device microfeatures in high-volume manufacturing environments. Founded in 1944, ESI is headquartered in Portland, Ore. More information is available at http://www.esi.com.

Source
ESI, Inc.