Ion Implant Purchase

Intevac announced it has acquired Solar Implant Technologies (SIT). SIT has developed a novel concept for a compact ion implant module to provide improved doping of silicon photovoltaic cells. Ion implant, a proven technology in semiconductor manufacturing, has recently been adapted for use in the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells to improve the conversion efficiency of silicon cells. However, the equipment currently available in the market generally does not meet the productivity or capital cost of ownership needs of the solar industry. We believe the combination of Intevac's high productivity platform, Lean Solar(TM), with SIT's ion implant module, once productized, will allow the solar industry to reduce the cost per watt of solar modules by enabling the high rate production of higher conversion efficiency cells.

"This technology acquisition is a key element of our equipment strategy to provide a suite of process technology solutions on our high productivity Lean Solar platform to enable lower manufacturing costs for solar cell manufacturers," said Kevin Fairbairn, Intevac president and chief executive officer. "SIT's innovative ion implant module is a breakthrough design that specifically demonstrates the benefit of designing a solution for a market need," Mr. Fairbairn concluded.