IEEE Detector Poster
October 25, 2009

This poster describes how capacitance and leakage current affect detector resolution and how peaking time and maximum count rate are related. It also shows resolution measurements from a prototype “XE140” detector, comparing those measurements with measurements from typical XE600 and an XPIN-6 detectors.

Download poster from here: NSS2009_poster_2 - Detector Poster.pdf

NSS2009 Detector Poster
Septemeber 25, 2009

Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) instrument manufacturers and research labs are continually pressing for x-ray components that enable higher performance at a lower cost. High performing x-ray detectors are critical to building quality instruments. Moxtek has improved the sensitivity of our Si-PIN detectors by using thicker diodes and thinner beryllium windows. The increased performance enables faster sample times, improved sensitivity, and expanded range of photon detection.

Download poster from here: NSS2009_poster_2 - Detector Poster.pptx

Miniature X-ray Sources Paper
Septemeber 25, 2009

Paper presented at the 58th Denver X-ray Conference, Colorado Springs, CO, July 2009. It highlights the key technical progression of miniature x-ray sources and demonstrates how these technical advances effect system level performance. X-ray spot characteristics, such as size, position and stability and their impact on system capabilities are discussed.

Download paper from here: Miniature X-Ray Sources and the Effects of Spot Size-web version.pdf

Polatechno Aquires MOXTEK
January 27, 2004

In a move we see as aiding the development of the projection supply chain, Polatechno Co. (Tokyo, Japan) (PLC) (www.polatechno.co.jp) will acquire Moxtek Inc. (Orem, UT) (www.moxtek.com) by the end of January, if approved by Moxtek shareholders. Polatechno is a subsidiary of Nippon Kayaku Co. and makes polymer-based polarizers for LCDs, including projection systems. Moxtek is the sole developer of a wire-grid polarizer (WGP) technology for polarization control and beamsplitters.

The WGP offers high performance and high-temperature operation for polarization control and for beamsplitters - a feature that is important in projection systems. It is gaining wide acceptance as a pre-polarizer in LCD projection systems, especially systems that output over about 2000 lumens. And, it is gaining design wins in LCOS-based RPTVs, where the beamsplitter components can produce a high-performance optical core.

The two companies have worked together for a while, with Polatechno acting as a production and distribution partner for the WGP components in Japan and China. The two companies will now merge to form a new wholly owned subsidiary that will retain the Moxtek name, as well as company personnel and facilities in Orem, Utah. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Moxtek also makes components for industrial X-ray analysis equipment parts. "We are excited about the significant technology which Moxtek has in the analytical instrumentation field," said Sanji Arisawa, chairman of PLC. "We are very impressed with their new products in handheld instrumentation and the environmental market, as well as the traditional measurement markets served by Moxtek's foundation products. We think that the combination of these two leading-edge technologies positions PLC to be a world leader in the analytical instrumentation field," concluded Dr. Arisawa.

Moxtek was founded in 1986 and has had only one investor (in 1993). For four of the past five years, Moxtek has achieved double-digit growth while maintaining profitability. Over the last year, it reported about $9.4M in sales and has about 60 employees.

Polatechno was established in July 1991 as a joint venture between Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd and Arisawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd. PLC has developed specialized polarizers for LCD projector applications optimized for R, G and B channels, respectively. Front and rear LCD projectors require retarders as well as polarizers in order to increase contrast and compensate for optical drawbacks. PLC has more than 70% market segment share in this application.

PLC represents ColorLink Japan in distributing its products in Asia. ColorLink Japan is a joint venture between ColorLink (Boulder, Colorado) and Arisawa Manufacturing. The ColorLink color management system is expected to play a significant role in the LCOS display area.

Arisawa makes Fresnel screens for CRT-RPTVs and has about a 50% global market share. It has nearly a 100% market share for the A/R coating used on acrylic RPTV screens.

The acquisition of Moxtek will expand PLC's leadership in polarization components used in business presentation and home entertainment systems, as well as in Moxtek's industrial market segment. As a result, Polatechno hopes to boost polarizer sales to Y15B in fiscal 2007, up from a projected Y10B in fiscal 2003.

With the new corporate structure, Moxtek will have access to the capital it needs to expand capacity to meet growing demand. Currently it is using about one-third of its established capacity, which netted about $3.4M in polarizer component sales in 2003. Most Japanese LCD projector companies are sampling or using these components in projectors already, with LCOS applications starting to heat up. After 2004, Moxtek expects it will need to add more capacity.

Over the next few months, Moxtek and PLC will be planning this capacity expansion. This will involve the purchase of etchers, coaters and patterning equipment. The new equipment will likely be chosen to handle 8-inch wafers instead of the 6-inch wafers used in the current foundry. The cost of this expansion to double capacity is in the $5 to $10M range. Moxtek president and CEO Glen Stewart says this manufacturing can be done in the US, and done profitably.

Orem-based company plays key role in Mars missions
January 9, 2004

NASA's successful landing and deployment of the Mars rover Spirit marks a significant milestone for Orem based MOXTEK™, Inc. (MOXTEK). "This is the second time our products have visited Mars and we anxiously await the landing of the third," stated Jim Phillips, Vice President and X-ray Division Manager. "A critical part of each Mars exploration mission is the scientific data that is recorded and relayed back to NASA. Our x-ray window products are a critical component of the alpha particle x-ray spectrometer (APXS). The Sojourner rover which landed July 4, 1997 and transmitted through September 27, 1997 had an APXS which utilized MOXTEK technology, and the two current rovers (Spirit, which landed on Mars January 4, 2004 and is currently exploring, and Opportunity, which is scheduled to land January 25, 2004) have similar instrumentation. The results achieved by the Sojourner in 1997 were exciting, and we anticipate more good results with the Spirit and Opportunity. Our international partners at KETEK GmbH in Munich, Germany are pleased with the success of the rovers," stated Mr. Phillips. NASA explains the role of the APXS on their website as follows:

The APXS is designed to study the alpha particles and x-rays emitted by rocks and soils in order to determine their elemental chemistry. Alpha particles are emitted during radioactive decay and X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, like light and microwaves. The elemental composition of a rock describes the amounts of different elements that have come together to form all of the minerals within the rock. Knowing the elemental composition of Martian rocks provides scientists with information about the formation of the planet's crust, as well as any weathering that has taken place.

Ms. Christine Roberts, the Windows Product Manager, states "The patented Duraberyllium™ window product gives a significant performance advantage to the spectrometer in both sensitivity and durability. The window acts as a protective barrier against particles and contaminates while allowing the x-rays to pass through to the sensors. We are excited about the small part our company is playing in furthering the American space program. The simple fact that our products helped enable these early explorations of Mars which are a precursor to President Bush's goal of human missions to Mars is a privilege."

MOXTEK has worked since its inception in 1986 to develop a reputation of excellence in the analytical x-ray industry. Recently the company has also branched out into polarization optics and has a technology critical to next-generation, rear-projection, high-definition televisions. Mr. Phillips concludes, "We have an excellent and diverse set of proprietary technologies at MOXTEK. We believe we are positioned to be a major force in all of our chosen markets."

MOXTEK has agreed to be acquired by Polatechno Ltd. (PLC) of Tokyo, Japan in a transaction that must be ratified by MOXTEK shareholders. "MOXTEK is excited about the potential to expand its leading-edge technologies into new market areas with PLC's strong manufacturing focus and successful worldwide marketing activities. We feel that PLC will provide the support needed to meet the rapid growth expected in the dynamic display market and will maintain the service focus and independence in the analytical components market," states Glenn Stewart, President of MOXTEK.

PLC plans to retain the MOXTEK name, personnel and operating facilities at their existing location in Orem, Utah. PLC will also maintain and support MOXTEK's existing customer base in both analytical instrumentation components and polarization components. The combined company expects to expand MOXTEK's market segment share in both served markets.