RSI and k-Space to integrate products

SEPTEMBER 27--Research Systems Inc. (RSI; Rochester, NY;www.RSInc.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Eastman Kodak Company, has announced that its IDL Software has been integrated into semiconductor diagnostic products developed by k-Space Associates Inc. k-Space began shipping the integrated products to customers in July 2002. Initially developed for users in the semiconductor industry, the package has been adapted for use in multiple advanced imaging applications.

By integrating IDL Software into its semiconductor diagnostic tools, k-Space enables users to quickly analyze and visualize semiconductor processes. IDL Software's prebuilt data-analysis and visualization routines prevent engineers from having to use manual programming techniques to analyze and visualize data. Using this new package, engineers can save time by simultaneously viewing semiconductor-wafer properties, such as curvature, thickness, and surface quality, and probing the device for defects and other characteristics. Products selected for this integration include k-Space's kSA 400, kSA MOS and kSA BandiT, and kSA RateRat.

"The combination of IDL Software and our tools makes the engineer's job much easier by instantaneously conveying visual information about an electronic device," said Darryl Barlett, general manager and vice president of k-Space. "Engineers see an immediate benefit with this new product integration," Barlett said. He added that as new features are needed, IDL Software's extensive image-processing and data-analysis library can be utilized for rapid development.

Realizing the combined imaging and analytical power now available in the integration of RSI and k-Space products, a new analytical imaging product, named EyeSpy, is soon to be released by k-Space. The stand-alone, cross-industry analytical imaging product will benefit applications ranging from cell tracking under a microscope to cancer-cell research to turbulent flow combustion process monitoring.