QED Technologies Introduces System Capable of Precision Polishing Optics up to Two Meters in Size

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--QED Technologies (QED), the pioneer and unique provider of revolutionary optical manufacturing solutions, Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF^®) and Subaperture Stitching Interferometry (SSI^®), expands its line of standard MRF polishing systems with the introduction of its Q22-2000F. The Q22-2000F is capable of precision polishing large monolithic or light-weighted optics up to two meters in size and can polish a wide range of geometries including planos, spheres, aspheres, freeforms, prisms and cylinders.

“The Q22-2000F is designed to bring to large optics all of the benefits and flexibility that our other MRF systems brought to standard-size optics manufacturing”

The fabrication of large optics has traditionally been performed by only a few optics manufacturers with specialized equipment, expertise and facilities. The final steps of polishing are particularly time consuming and costly, and require skill that is developed and refined over many years. Often, the optician must rely on many iterations and metrology steps during the polishing process to reach final specification.

QED’s Q22-2000F is designed to automate the final steps of polishing and figuring with speed and determinism, and aims to reduce long lead times and unpredictability, while increasing accuracy. What previously took weeks or months to polish now has the ability to be completed in days.

“The Q22-2000F is designed to bring to large optics all of the benefits and flexibility that our other MRF systems brought to standard-size optics manufacturing,” says Marc Tricard, Director of Business Development of QED Technologies. “Now, the industry has an automated process for polishing large, sophisticated optics that is fast, predictable and cost effective.”

ABOUT QED TECHNOLOGIES

Since it was founded in 1996, QED Technologies, based in Rochester, NY, has built a reputation for producing high quality products based on revolutionary, patented technology, advanced computer numerical control machines and world-class software to provide shop-ready solutions for nearly any precision optics manufacturing need. QED offers state-of-the-art finishing and metrology solutions that are designed to meet the needs of advanced optics manufacturers by increasing production speed and yield while decreasing costs. QED is dedicated to providing revolutionary technical solutions that enable or significantly enhance its customers’ capabilities and positively impact their bottom line. QED Technologies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cabot Microelectronics Corporation (NASDAQ:CCMP). For more information about QED Technologies, visit www.qedmrf.com or contact Robin Townell, Marketing Manager, at [phone] ext. 241.

ABOUT CABOT MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION

Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, is the world's leading supplier of CMP slurries used in semiconductor and data storage manufacturing. The company's products play a critical role in the production of the most advanced semiconductor devices, enabling the manufacture of smaller, faster and more complex devices by its customers. Since becoming an independent public company in 2000, the company has grown to approximately 800 employees on a global basis. The company is also leveraging its expertise in CMP slurry formulation, materials and polishing techniques developed for the semiconductor industry and applying it to demanding surface modification applications where shaping, enabling and enhancing the performance of surfaces is critical to success. For more information about Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, visit www.cabotcmp.com or contact Amy Ford, Director of Investor Relations at [phone].

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This news release may include statements that constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities regulations. These forward-looking statements include statements related to: future sales and operating results; company and industry growth or trends; growth of the markets in which the company participates; international events or various macroeconomic factors; product performance; the generation, protection and acquisition of intellectual property, and litigation related to such intellectual property; new product introductions; development of new products, technologies and markets; the acquisition of or investment in other entities; uses and investment of the company’s cash balance; and the construction of facilities by Cabot Microelectronics Corporation. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including those described from time to time in Cabot Microelectronics' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described by these forward-looking statements. In particular, see "Risk Factors" in the company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, both filed with the SEC. Cabot Microelectronics assumes no obligation to update this forward-looking information.