Mr. Michael Minder reports

ZECOTEK ANNOUNCES EXPANSION IN MANUFACTURE AND PROPRIETARY PROCESS FOR LFS CRYSTAL ARRAY ASSEMBLY

Zecotek Photonics Inc. has provided an update. The company is providing information about a breakthrough manufacturing process that uses robotics for assembling LFS crystal arrays. The new process results in faster production of the crystal arrays with exceptional accuracy and uniformity.

"By introducing robotic automation into manufacturing process we are now able to produce LFS crystal arrays much faster and cheaper than before while still maintaining our remarkable quality," said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Zecotek Photonics. "The importance of accuracy and precision of LFS crystal arrays cannot be overstated. A key element to having an effective detector module is to ensure proper matching of the crystal array to a photo detector array. Issues, such as trying to maintain pitch, associated with array construction are not a concern when using our new robotic technique. Due to our industry-leading robotic innovations we are able to increase output, improve financial margins while maintaining specific dimensions with strict tolerance."

Zecotek's patented LFS scintillation crystals are grown by the Beijing Opto-Electronics Technology Company (BOET), using the Czochralski method with Zecotek modifications. This proprietary growing method produces very large-diameter boules with uniform properties and without cracking (a problem with many competing scintillation materials). This highly efficient method produces a large number of high-quality elements from each boule.

Cutting, polishing and array assembly are conducted at Zecotek's laboratory in Singapore. By eliminating manual steps of the array assembly process, the company has significantly reduced labour costs and has reduced the margins for error and waste. The automated nature has translated into faster and more accurate execution of repetitive tasks involved in the manufacturing of arrays. The assembly of arrays used to take days but now can be complete in a matter of hours, thus significantly reducing the time of the fulfilment process.

Many PET scanner OEMs, development groups and high-energy physics organizations are using scintillation crystal array assemblies. In preparation of growing demand BOET is expanding its operation by adding additional crystal-growing ovens. As more and more customers begin to recognize the value and quality of the LFS crystal arrays, Zecotek and BOET are prepared for greater output at high speed and reduced cost.

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