#South Korea #Park Systems #Gwacheon #Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology #AFM Probes

Park Systems Completes Acquisition of Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology

In an important development for the field of atomic force microscopy (AFM), Park Systems Corp. has announced the completion of its acquisition of Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology LLC (RMN). This strategic move is set to enhance Park Systems' capabilities in manufacturing high-quality AFM probes, particularly those made from ultra-pure solid platinum and platinum-iridium materials. The acquisition marks Park Systems’ first foray into probe manufacturing, signifying a major step toward internalizing a critical component of AFM-based electrical measurements and nanoprobing technology.

Founded in 2003 by Dr. Clayton Williams, a former professor of physics at the University of Utah and an ex-IBM researcher, RMN has earned recognition over the past 20 years for its production of ultra-sharp metal probes with tip radii as small as 10 nanometers. These high-precision probes are compatible with various advanced AFM modes and electrical applications, including conductive AFM (C-AFM), electrostatic force microscopy (EFM), Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), piezoelectric response force microscopy (PFM), scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM), scanning microwave impedance microscopy (sMIM), and nano-IR.

The clientele of RMN includes leading universities and corporate research institutions from around the globe, all of which rely on RMN's cutting-edge technology for their research endeavors. According to Dr. Sang-il Park, the founder and CEO of Park Systems, "The solid metal probe technology from RMN directly complements Park Systems' advanced electrical measurement modes and next-generation nanoprobing systems currently in development. This acquisition is a key step toward ensuring a stable supply of specialized high-performance probes essential for our electrical measurement solutions."

As part of the acquisition process, Park Systems intends to establish a probe manufacturing facility in South Korea. This facility will leverage technology transfer from RMN's existing operations in Salt Lake City, Utah. While the transition occurs, RMN’s operations in the U.S. will continue to function at full capacity to maintain an uninterrupted supply for current customers. Dr. Clayton Williams expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, "The integration into Park Systems opens new opportunities for Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology, broadening the reach of our probe technology and allowing for applications we could not have developed independently, thereby strengthening our position in the global AFM probe market."

Current RMN customers will continue to receive their products as usual, with Park Systems committed to ensuring continuity in production while also introducing new probes and an expanded range under the combined organization.

About Park Systems

Park Systems is a global leader in nanometrology, providing advanced measurement solutions for both research and industrial applications. With regional offices in America, Europe, and Asia, the company supports clients in semiconductor manufacturing, materials science, and nanotechnology research. Park Systems' technological portfolio includes AFM, spectroscopic ellipsometry, digital holographic microscopy, white light interferometry, and active vibration isolation systems. Founded by Dr. Sang-il Park, a key contributor to the invention of AFM at Stanford University, Park Systems has continually grown through strategic acquisitions, including Accurion GmbH and Lyncée Tec SA, establishing itself as a benchmark in the nanometrology industry.

For more information, please visit www.parksystems.com.

About Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology LLC

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology specializes in designing and manufacturing ultra-thin platinum and platinum-iridium probes for scanning microscopy. RMN probes are utilized worldwide by researchers and engineers conducting electrical characterization and material studies at the nanoscale. For more information, visit www.rmnano.com.