:: SHUTTERS

AlphaMicron has synthesized a unique material based on Kent State's Polymer Stabilized Cholesteric Texture (PSCT) liquid crystal technology. PSCT stabilizes the cholesteric texture of the liquid crystal system that consists of a combination of nematic liquid crystal, chiral dopants, and polymer.

AlphaMicron has developed a shutter based on this system which is currently used in most semiconductor fabrication facilities. The system is used in KLA-Tencor's AIT system which is housed in many fabrication lines including Intel and AMD. The PSF shutters have demonstrated unparalleled stability over the lifetime of the LCD, even when exposed to both visible and UV lasers. They eliminate background diffraction to allow inspection of defect induced light scattering. These shutters help measure the intensity of the inspection beams that are projected over shutters to reveal any imperfections on the device. PSCT liquid crystal varies from AlphaMicron's e-Tint® in that it is light scattering rather than light absorbing.