Micronic Laser Systems AB · Täby Sweden ·(OMX Stockholm: MICR)

There's a pattern to Micronic Laser Systems' operations. The company makes specialized laser pattern generators used to produce photomasks, which are used in turn to transfer circuit designs onto semiconductor wafers. The company's laser technology also is employed in the production of flat-panel displays, such as thin-film transistor LCDs. Micronic was working with ASML, the Dutch supplier of semiconductor equipment, on technology to make chips without using a photomask, also known as maskless lithography; ASML terminated its Micronic patent licenses in 2009, however. Founded in 1984, Micronic has operations in Japan, South Korea, Sweden, and the US. To read the full description, subscribe now.