KYOCERA Develops Industry's First Wavelength-Selective Crystal 1/2 Wave Plate Enabling Multi-Use of 3 Wavelengths

For YAG Lasers, Widely Used in Industrial, Medical and Cosmetic Applications

KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kyocera Corporation (President: Tetsuo Kuba)(NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) today announced that it has successfully developed the industry's first wavelength-selective crystal 1/2 wave plate which enables multi-use and simultaneous use of three wavelengths. The 1/2 wave plate — the core component used in laser equipment — applies the excellent optical properties of crystals. Samples are currently available. Kyocera will display the 1/2 wave plate at the IT & Electronics Comprehensive Exhibition CEATEC Japan 2009, held at the Chiba Makuhari Messe from October 6 through October 10.

The 1/2 wave plate is an essential component for laser devices which ensures the necessary processing accuracy (by adjusting irradiation power) and processing flexibility (by adjusting the irradiation angle) through rotation of the laser polarization plane to realize optimal microfabrication suiting the pieces to be processed. Generally, one wave plate is used for each wavelength. However, the new product is the industry's first wave plate to enable multi-use and simultaneous use of the three basic wavelengths of an yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser with a single plate. The product is compatible with the highly versatile fundamental wavelength of the YAG laser (1,064 nm), the second harmonic (532 nm) and the third harmonic (355 nm).

The new product was successfully developed with advanced wave plate simulation technologies, optical thin film coating technologies, and high-quality synthetic crystal development and thin film processing technologies cultivated over many years, all proprietary to Kyocera Kinseki Corporation — a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera Corporation engaged in the development and manufacturing of crystal devices.

The product helps reduce the number of components required in laser devices that use several wavelengths, making these devices more simple and compact. Kyocera will also apply its technologies to offer wave plates compatible with more than the three wavelengths listed above or those other than the YAG laser to meet customer needs.

■ Product Summary and Specifications
Product	Wavelength-selective crystal 1/2 wave plate
Features	∙	Industry's first wave plate compatible with three types of wavelengths
	∙	Compatible with a wide range of wavelengths, using crystals (266-1,064 nm)
	∙	High permeability is realized by making this an air gap type product
Major Performance Properties	∙	Dimensions: Standard dimension is φ30mm; requests for other sizes can be accommodated
	∙	PS permeability* of 96% or greater (wavelengths: 355 and 1,064 nm)
		PS permeability* of 1% or less (wavelength: 532 nm)
	∙	Permeability of 97% or greater (wavelengths: 355, 532 and 1,064 nm)
Notes	∙	Kyocera offers sets of wavelength plates to be combined with this product, which are necessary for developing laser oscillating devices.
	∙	Kyocera can also supply wave plates compatible with more than three wavelengths or those other than the YAG laser.
* PS permeability: permeability with respect to orthogonal polarizers

About KYOCERA

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971)(http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as "advanced ceramics"). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of solar power generating systems, telecommunications equipment, electronic components, laser printers, copiers, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2009, the company's net sales totaled 1.13 trillion yen (approximately US$11.5 billion). The company, which marks its 50^th anniversary and the 40^th anniversary of its U.S. operations this year, is ranked #418 on Forbes magazine's 2009 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly traded companies.

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