Newport Corporation Announces the SolaryX™ Edge Laser Processing System for Solar Cell Manufacturers

Irvine, CA - Sept. 2, 2008 - Newport Corporation, a worldwide leader in laser and photonic solutions, today announced its state-of-the-art SolaryX™ Edge laser system for thin film solar cell manufacturing.  Designed to offer a lower cost of ownership than alternative techniques such as sandblasting, the SolaryX system is ideal for edge deletion, which is a critical step in the manufacturing of the thin-film solar panels being installed around the world today. It is the latest addition to Newport's broad portfolio of photovoltaic manufacturing and test solutions that includes the SolaryX™ family of laser scribe tools, lasers, light sources, motion systems, optics, test and measurement technologies and integrated solutions.

"We are very excited to unveil the SolaryX Edge laser system because we believe it is the best solution available for the fast, effective and efficient removal of all thin film coatings on solar panels," said Larry Parson, Vice President and General Manager of Newport's Integrated Solutions Business.  When compared to other laser-based or sand blasting technologies, our SolaryX system just makes sense.  Not only does it provide extremely fast coating removal rates, industry-leading removal specifications, and high reliability, it also offers lower cost of ownership than other solutions available today."

The SolaryX Edge laser edge deletion system features a rugged industrial design for maximum reliability in 24/7 manufacturing environments.  It uses a high power, pulsed laser to remove the active thin-film coatings around the perimeter of thin-film solar panels.  In addition, it eliminates the need to purchase consumables, which are required for methods such as sand blasting.  The combination of these two factors helps significantly lower the cost of ownership for the system compared to sandblasting systems.  
 
The SolaryX system is also an excellent alternative to other laser systems designed for this application.  It occupies a significantly smaller footprint compared to other laser based edge deletion systems.  In addition, its unique optical design makes it a lower cost, higher throughput product.

About Newport Corporation
Newport Corporation is a leading global supplier of advanced-technology products and systems to customers in the scientific research, microelectronics, aerospace and defense/security, life and health sciences and precision industrial manufacturing markets.  Newport's innovative solutions leverage its expertise in high-power semiconductor, solid-state and ultrafast lasers, photonics instrumentation, sub-micron positioning systems, vibration isolation, optical components and subsystems and precision automation to enhance the capabilities and productivity of its customers' manufacturing, engineering and research applications.  Newport is part of the Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 Index and the Russell 2000 Index.

Company Contact:
Brian Bardwell
Sr. Manager of Corporate Communications
Tel:      949-253-1218
Fax:     949-253-1800
Email:  brian.bardwell@newport.com