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The University of Illinois and EpiWorks, Inc. Complete Initial Phase of Collaboration

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILLINOIS – August 16, 2004 – Today, the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and Illinois-based EpiWorks, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers, announced the completion of the first phase of work in two separate collaborative research projects.

The collaboration with EpiWorks involves Professor Milton Feng’s High-Speed Integrated Circuits (HSIC) Group, and Professor Kent Choquette’s Photonic Device Research Group within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The work is geared towards using EpiWorks epitaxial wafer growth technology to develop new transistor technology with Professor Feng, and new GaAs-based VCSEL technologies with Professor Choquette.

“Researchers at the University of Illinois are working to develop nano and microelectronic device technology,” said Charles Zukoski, the Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Illinois. “Engineers from both EpiWorks and the University of Illinois contribute their expertise to the projects. To date, the projects have demonstrated an InP DHBT with an operating frequency exceeding > 225 GHz, and a VCSEL with a low threshold current and high slope efficiency.”

The program began in the fall of 2003, and is scheduled to finish in the fall of 2004.

“Our goal in this program is to provide the materials technology platform that UIUC researchers can use to develop new devices and technologies.” Quesnell Hartmann, EpiWorks’ President, stated, “We are grateful to be working with the team of researchers at the University of Illinois. Having spun out of the University, we are also interested in contributing to its continued success. By developing novel growth processes to complement their device ideas, this program is a building block in EpiWorks’ effort to develop new III-V materials and technologies.”

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EpiWorks, Inc. develops and manufactures compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers for application in optical components, wireless devices and high-speed communication systems. The company’s products provide these applications additional performance, such as greater bandwidth, higher power efficiency and better reliability. EpiWorks’ business model includes high-level customer interaction and co-development to rapidly advanced its customers’ technology capability and product performance. To learn more about EpiWorks visit www.epiworks.com.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is well known for its research and development of III-V materials and devices from light emitting diodes and lasers to ultra high-speed transistors and circuits.