Billerica, MA -- - AST Products, Inc., the company that specializes in video contact angle systems, announced the introduction of VCA-1000™, an all new, radically improved optical goniometer. Designed for easy usage and improved accuracy, the VCA-1000 is a major breakthrough in traditional instruments for optical contact angle measurement .

Easy image viewing and precise measurement
For precise image display, the VCA-1000 system uses a high resolution video camera and high quality magnification optics. The droplet image is viewed on a video monitor eliminating operator eyestrain, and the contact angle is displayed on an easy to read indicator dial. It also features an open area sample stage accepting large or odd-shaped parts to provide the best utilization of the instrument. The replaceable glass test liquid dispenser ensures contamination-free analyses.

Cost-effective solution
With its low cost and easy set up, the VCA-1000 Industrial Contact Angle Analysis System is well suited for use in R & D, Quality Control, and Process Development in electronic, coating, plating, painting and cleaning industries. It is clearly a cost-compatible alternative to the traditional optical instrument for quick, easy and more accurate contact angle measurement.

About AST Products
ASP Products is a leading supplier of Video Contact Angle Systems. The company develops and manufactures a complete line of products for the analysis of surface characteristics through the use of quantitative, highly reproducible contact angle measurement. Systems include: the VCA-1000 - a radically improved optical goniometer, the VCA-2500™ series - a flexible system with the ability to add-on various software and hardware accessories for individual applications, the VCA-3000™ series for Wafer Surface Analysis and VCA-4000™ series, the Surface Analysis System for Flat Panel Display.

Billerica, MA -- - AST Products, Inc., introduced the VCA-3000mp™, the first video contact angle system developed expressly for 300mm wafer analysis. Following in the lead of the ground-breaking VCA-3000™ which was developed for 200mm wafers, the VCA-3000mp provides fully automatic video contact angle analysis to test critical wafer surface conditions during multiple stages of semiconductor manufacturing process.

Essential measurement for critical process control:
Throughout the semiconductor manufacturing process, the VCA-3000mp offers fully automated contact angle analysis for use in identifying wafer surface contamination, adhesive and primer preparation, coating assessment of the HMDS process, and analyzing coating quality and uniformity. The VCA-3000mp provides accurate surface analysis on the tested wafer so process quality is assured before applying to large amount of wafers.

Easy system operation
The VCA-3000mp is a user independent workstation. Test point location, droplet size, dispensing and contact angle calculations are performed automatically under computer control. The VCA-3000mp can analyze wafer surfaces using any of the pre-programmed patterns, user selected points, or custom patterns programmed by the user. Data are reported on a graphic display of the wafer, which can be stored, printed or exported to other programs.

About AST Products
AST Products is a leading supplier of Video Contact Angle Systems. The company develops and manufactures a complete line of products for the analysis of surface characteristics through the use of quantitative, highly reproducible contact angle measurement. Systems include: the VCA-2500™ series - a flexible system with the ability to add-on various software and hardware accessories for individual applications, the VCA-3000 series for Wafer Surface Analysis and VCA-4000™ series for FPD Surface Analysis.

Billerica, MA -- - AST Products, Inc., proudly introduces the VCA-4100™ FPD Surface Analysis System, the latest addition to the VCA product family. Based on proprietary technology in developing accurate and reliable computerized contact angle systems, the VCA-4100 is specifically designed for FPD industry to provide critical information of FPD surface characteristics. Accepting panels up to 650 x 550 mm in size, the VCA-4100 produces quick and accurate results non-destructively.

Essential measurement in FPD processing cycle
Contact angle measurements have proven to be essential in a number of applications throughout the processing cycle. Some of the applications include determining the cleanliness of glass panels prior to processing, coating assessment of critical priming HMDS processing, surface preparation before photoresist, and as a quality control tool at other stages of processing. Computerized measurement using the VCA-4100 eliminates operator subjectivity - an existing common factor causing data inaccuracy in optical contact angle systems. The VCA-4100 allows the user to obtain valuable information that is accurate and repeatable in a timely manner so defects can be located early in the process. As result, overall product yield is increased.

Easy operation and user friendly software
In operation, the panel is placed onto a large x-y stage, which is moved into a desired position. A droplet is dispensed under computer control for precise sizing and released onto the substrate. The high magnification lens and fiber optic light source allow the droplet to be profiled. User friendly Windows 95™ application software automatically calculates the contact angle. Data and images can be stored and printed for future reference and analysis. Pentium™ processor and 32 Bit video capture card allow high speed imaging and real-time video viewing.

About AST Products
ASP Products is a leading supplier of Video Contact Angle Systems. The company develops and manufactures a complete line of products for the analysis of surface characteristics through the use of quantitative, highly reproducible contact angle measurement. Systems include: the VCA-2500™ series - a flexible system with the ability to add-on various software and hardware accessories for individual applications, the VCA-3000™ series for Wafer Surface Analysis and VCA-4000 series for FPD Surface Analysis.