Corning Tropel Introduces the FlatMaster(R) 1400

Corning Tropel Introduces the FlatMaster(R) 1400

May 29, 2006

A New Optical Metrology System for Large LCD Image Mask Manufacturers

    FAIRPORT, N.Y., MAY 29 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Corning
Tropel Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Corning
Incorporated (NYSE: GLW),  announced on May 25 the
introduction of the FlatMaster(R) 1400 Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) Image Mask Flatness Metrology System. Corning
Tropel is an industry leader in providing flatness
measurement technology and has expanded its capabilities to
include the measurement of large LCD image masks. The
FlatMaster 1400 provides full-surface flatness measurements
for LCD image masks with superior speed, repeatability and
accuracy to meet next generation flatness requirements. 

    With its non-contact, grazing incidence, stitching
interferometer based on Corning Tropel's existing
FlatMaster technology, the FlatMaster 1400 rasters the
surface of the image mask and stitches together a series of
200 mm x 200 mm measurements. The result is complete surface
analysis for image masks up to 1220 mm x 1400 mm and
larger.

    Designed for LCD image mask manufacturers, the
FlatMaster 1400 enables manufacturers to monitor and
improve their manufacturing processes from grinding through
final polish. "The FlatMaster 1400 is a clear enabler
of process improvements," stated Erik Jensen, sales
manager, Corning Tropel Metrology Instruments. He
continued, "This system allows an image mask to be
quickly measured to determine if the manufacturing process
is under control, and then to make adjustments to the
process if necessary."

    The demand for higher resolution and larger physical
sizes of today's electronics, such as flat panel
televisions and computer displays, requires larger and
flatter image masks. An LCD image mask is a substrate that
contains a pattern that is projected onto flat glass
panels, which become the circuitry for the display. When
printing or exposing small images, the depth of focus is
narrow. In order to produce sharp, in-focus images in a
narrow depth of focus, the image mask must be extremely
flat.

    "If it cannot be measured, it cannot be
manufactured, especially if the flatness specification is
less than ten micrometers over the entire surface of the
image mask," said Tom Dunn, engineering manager for
Corning Tropel. "The flatness of the entire surface
must be known, as the information received from a custom
line scan profiler or a small sample of points from a
coordinate measuring machine is not sufficient. Corning
Tropel's FlatMaster 1400 quickly provides an accurate
measurement of the flatness for the complete surface with
superior repeatability and accuracy."

    Corning will be demonstrating its FlatMaster 1400
technology in booth #330 at the 2006 SID International
Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition from June 4-9 in San
Francisco.

    About Corning Incorporated

    Corning Incorporated ( http://www.corning.com ) is a
diversified Technology company that concentrates its
efforts on high-impact growth opportunities. Corning
combines its expertise in specialty glass, ceramic
materials, polymers and the manipulation of the properties
of light, with strong process and manufacturing
capabilities to develop, engineer and commercialize
significant innovative products for the telecommunications,
flat panel display, environmental, semiconductor, and life
sciences industries.

    For more information, please contact:

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SOURCE  Corning Incorporated