Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Semiconductor Analysis at Dresden Microelectronics Site Strengthened

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Off to a good start! Frank Prein, Qimonda, Dr. Wolf-Dieter Lukas, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Dr. Udo Nothelfer, AMD, Dr. Dirk Stenkamp, Carl Zeiss SMT (from left to right) are delighted at the success of the opening event. (Photo: Business Wire)

Abstract:
Launch of Joint BMBF "Nanoanalysis" Project for Chip Development - "Carl Zeiss Innovation Center Dresden" Opened

Semiconductor Analysis at Dresden Microelectronics Site Strengthened

DRESDEN & OBERKOCHEN, Germany | Posted on November 6th, 2007

The companies AMD, Carl Zeiss SMT and Qimonda are launching a cooperation within the framework of the joint "Nanoanalysis" project which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with a sum of 12 million euros. The partners are working together on new analytical and characterization methods required for the development of the next chip generation. This strengthens the competency of the Dresden microelectronics site, particularly in the fields of semiconductor analysis and metrology.

As announced today by Dr. Wolf-Dieter Lukas, Head of the BMBF Department "Key Technologies - Research for Innovations", the strategic setup and expansion of microelectronics competency centers is an important goal of the BMBF IKT2020 program. "Only by setting targeted priorities in research funding will we succeed in maintaining Dresden's leading role in high-tech chip production and in further expanding it through such innovative approaches as here in the field of nanoanalysis."

The newly founded "Carl Zeiss Innovation Center Dresden" is an important module within the joint "Nanoanalysis" project. Here, ultrahigh resolution particle beam systems are being installed which use electron and ion beams instead of light. These systems enable the imaging, analysis and processing of specimens down to the level of individual atoms. In this way, they are playing a decisive role in the characterization of three-dimensional semiconductor structures and in the development of new materials for chip fabrication. "With its Innovation Center, Carl Zeiss SMT is becoming involved in ‘Silicon Saxony', Europe's leading microelectronics cluster. Not only is the cluster being strengthened in its function as a research location, but the ongoing development of the local semiconductor industry is also being promoted", explains Dr. Dirk Stenkamp, Member of the Carl Zeiss SMT Board of Management.

"As a manufacturer of innovative microprocessors, we are faced with the challenge of producing increasingly complex structures with smaller and smaller dimensions and with maximum yield", says Dr. Udo Nothelfer, Vice President AMD Fab 36. "Therefore, process control at an atomic level plays a key role. Through our joint work in the Carl Zeiss Innovation Center Dresden, we have access to leading edge electron and ion microscopes and believe we can therefore further accelerate the introduction of new technologies. The experience gained in industrial utilization may be incorporated at an early stage in the development of future analytical systems."

"With the structure dimensions now achieved, current storage cells can only be seen under the electron microscope", says Frank Prein, Managing Director Qimonda Dresden and Senior Vice President Technology Qimonda. "Only through the consistent enhancement of the analytical and measuring methods will it be possible to master the future challenges posed by the development and production of state-of-the-art storage technologies. Through the diversified integration of research partners, Qimonda will use the excellence of the research location for its technology competency center in Dresden within the framework of the joint ‘Nanoanalysis' project and expand and strengthen its scientific network."

In addition to the cooperation partners AMD and Qimonda, the "Carl Zeiss Innovation Center Dresden" is available to all interested firms and institutes in the Dresden area. In particular, all partners of "Silicon Saxony", e.g. the Dresden Technical University or the Fraunhofer Center Nanoelectronic Technologies CNT, can resolve application problems in the field of nanotechnology.

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About Carl Zeiss SMT AG
Carl Zeiss SMT utilizes its globally leading know-how in light, electron and ion-optical technologies to offer its customers in the manufacturing industry and R&D a broad portfolio of products, services and application solutions. The market-leading systems and solutions from Carl Zeiss SMT are used in mutually strengthening fields of application in nanotechnology such as semiconductor technology, materials research and the life sciences. The global customer community is constantly growing. As the innovation leader for lithography optics, as well as optical and particle-beam based inspection, analysis and measuring systems, Carl Zeiss SMT opens up new avenues for its customers in industrial manufacturing environments, quality assurance and industrial and university R&D. Together with its subsidiaries in Germany, England, France and the USA, the international group of companies has approximately 2,400 employees. In fiscal year 2005/06, Carl Zeiss SMT AG generated revenues of over EUR 860 billion. Carl Zeiss SMT AG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG.

About AMD

Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative processing solutions in the computing, graphics and consumer electronics markets. AMD is dedicated to driving open innovation, choice and industry growth by delivering superior customer-centric solutions that empower consumers and businesses worldwide. For more information visit http://www.amd.com .

Disclaimer

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning, among other things, joint cooperation research projects for the development of future generations of semiconductors, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are commonly identified by words such as “would,” “may,” “expects,” “believes,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and other terms with similar meaning. Investors are cautioned that the forward-looking statements in this release are based on current beliefs, assumptions and expectations, speak only as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Risks include the possibility that Intel Corporation’s pricing, marketing and rebating programs, product bundling, standard setting, new product introductions or other activities targeting AMD’s business will prevent attainment of AMD’s current plans; AMD will require additional funding and may not be able to raise funds on favourable terms or at all; customers stop buying AMD’s products or materially reduce their operations or demand for its products; AMD will be unable to develop, launch and ramp new products and technologies in the volumes and mix required by the market and at mature yields on a timely basis; global business and economic conditions will worsen; AMD will be unable to transition to advanced manufacturing process technologies in a timely and effective way; and AMD will be unable to maintain the requisite level of investment in research and development and capacity. Investors are urged to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in AMD’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, which are available on http://www.sec.gov .

About Qimonda

Qimonda AG (NYSE: QI) is a leading global memory supplier with a broad diversified DRAM product portfolio. The company generated net sales of €3.81 billion in its 2006 financial year and has approximately 13,000 employees worldwide. Qimonda has access to five 300mm manufacturing sites on three continents and operates six major R&D facilities. The company provides DRAM products for a wide variety of applications, including in the computing, infrastructure, graphics, mobile and consumer areas, using its power saving technologies and designs. Further information is available at http://www.qimonda.com .

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and forecasts made by Qimonda management and third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any of them in light of new information or future events. These forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and are subject to a number of uncertainties, including trends in demand and prices for semiconductors generally and for our products in particular, the success of our development efforts, both alone and with our partners, the success of our efforts to introduce new production processes at our facilities and the actions of our competitors, the availability of funds for planned expansion efforts and the outcome of antitrust investigations and litigation matters, as well as other factors. We caution you that these and a number of other known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual future results, or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. These factors include those identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form F-1 and our Prospectus Supplement, dated September 21, 2007, available without charge on our website and at http://www.sec.gov .

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Contacts:
Carl Zeiss SMT AG
Markus Wiederspahn, +49 7364 20-2194
Fax: +49 7364 20-4970

http://www.smt.zeiss.com
or
AMD
Karin Raths, +49 351 277-1013

http://www.amd-dresden.de
or
Qimonda
Jenny Engländer, +49 351 4388-1115

http://www.qimonda.com