Cymer Announces Volume Order of TCZ's New Gen 5.5 Crystallization System by Leading Asian Flat Panel Display Manufacturer

SAN DIEGO, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cymer, Inc. (Nasdaq: CYMI), announced today that TCZ, its display equipment product division, has received a volume order for the TCZ-1500B, TCZ's new Gen 5.5 crystallization system, from a leading Asian flat panel display (FPD) manufacturer.  This represents TCZ's second volume order in 2011 and fourth tool customer.  The TCZ-1500B system is used for the production of advanced liquid crystal display (LCD) and next-generation organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays that are targeted for applications such as high-end smart phones and tablet computers.

Enabled by Cymer industry-leading light source technology, the TCZ-1500B incorporates a high-power laser for increased throughput, and the Gen 5.5 system allows for a three-time increase in substrate size compared to Gen 4 systems, reducing manufacturing costs for display makers.

Wider adoption of OLED displays has been challenged by the low yield and high costs of OLED technology, and this has limited the number of FPD manufacturers to enter into OLED production.  TCZ has developed patented system improvements that use advanced laser beam controls to significantly improve the yield of OLED displays.  The increased stability and improved yield of the TCZ-1500B is also expected to reduce the complexity of the manufacturing process, making it easier for new FPD manufacturers to enter the OLED market.

"The TCZ-1500B can effectively reduce the manufacturing cost and complexity to produce displays," said David Knowles, general manager of TCZ.  "With this new Gen 5.5 system we are enabling increased substrate size over previous generations of tools, thereby increasing production capacity and providing a lower cost solution for FPD manufacturers."

"TCZ's laser crystallization system further broadens Cymer's product offering to meet the display industry need to transition to larger substrate sizes for LCD and OLED displays," said Ed Brown, president and chief operating officer of Cymer.  "Our goal is to continue to help increase efficiencies, while reducing manufacturing costs for FPD makers."

For additional information, or to speak with a representative, please contact Erin Coller at 619.234.0345 or [email protected].

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements.  These statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding the anticipated advantages, benefits, acceptance and impact of the TCZ-1500B crystallization system, its targeted applications, Cymer's goals for FPD makers, and the transition to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography.  These statements are predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including but not limited to:  the timing of customer orders, shipments and acceptances; delays or cancellations by customers of their orders; the performance and market acceptance of the company's new products or technologies; new and enhanced product offerings by competitors; the company's ability to meet its production and product development schedules; the company's ability to secure adequate supplies of critical components for its advanced products; the performance and conditions in the United States and world financial markets; the policies and actions of the United States and other governments; and general economic conditions.  For a discussion of these and other factors which may cause our actual events or results to differ from those projected, please refer to the company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.  All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

About Cymer

Cymer, Inc. is the market leader in developing light sources, used by chipmakers worldwide as the essential light source for DUV lithography systems.  Cymer's light sources have been widely adopted by the world's top chipmakers and the company's installed base comprises more than 3,750 systems.  Continuing its legacy of leadership, Cymer is currently pioneering the industry's transition to EUV lithography, the next viable step on the technology roadmap for the creation of smaller, faster chips.  The company is headquartered in San Diego, and supports its customers from numerous offices around the globe.  Cymer maintains a website to which it regularly posts press releases, SEC filings, and additional information about the company.  Interested persons can also subscribe to automated e-mail alerts or RSS feeds.  Please visit www.cymer.com for additional information.

SOURCE Cymer, Inc.