IMRA America Announces First “Premier Application Laboratory” (PAL) Agreement with LLT RWTH University Aachen / Fraunhofer ILT

ANN ARBOR, MI, May 22, 2006 —

IMRA America is pleased to announce an agreement with Lehrstuhl für Lasertechnik (LLT) RWTH University Aachen / Fraunhofer Institut für Lasertechnik (ILT) of Aachen, Germany for the creation of a Premier Application Laboratory. Dubbed PAL by IMRA, the purpose of this collaborative facility agreement is to accelerate opportunities for feasibility studies using IMRA’s advanced ultrafast fiber lasers in Europe, as well as to foster research with LLT into a larger array of material processing applications using the advantages of fiber laser amplified systems.

The agreement allows LLT to receive IMRA’s latest FCPA μJewelTM laser technology, providing high-repetition rate micro-Joule level pulses. Within the LLT facility, which is located in Aachen, Germany, the laser will be a major component in a laboratory setup for application tests to be performed by LLT and by others. Time will be allotted for use of the equipment by interested researchers and engineers through agreements with either the LLT directly or with IMRA America, Inc. All work will be coordinated by LLT staff members.

Takashi Omitsu, President of IMRA, said of this arrangement, “IMRA has been searching for ways to promote its technological advantages by working more closely with exceptional research labs around the world for application development. We believe that LLT RWTH University Aachen/Fraunhofer ILT represents the right kind of partner in this endeavor, with experience in applications research and strength in working with outside partners.” Further, Mr. Omitsu stated, “The capability of ultrafast lasers in material processing is still being investigated and developed, and we believe that fiber-based ultrafast lasers, such as the ones IMRA has been pioneering, will be central to enabling deployment of successful processes in industrial facilities. Our PAL arrangement will encourage more people to discover for themselves the real-world use advantages of IMRA’s technology.”

About IMRA America, Inc.
Founded in 1990, IMRA America, Inc., headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., is a global-acting company dedicated to being the leader in the development of ultrafast fiber laser technologies for commercial applications. IMRA’s turnkey fiber lasers with their compact size, high stability and maintenance-free operation, are ideal optical pulse sources for: material processing, semiconductor inspection and repair, homeland security, instrumentation, medical diagnostics and therapy, and telecommunications. They are based on IMRA’s proprietary fiber oscillator, fiber amplifier, and advanced pulse compressor technologies, documented in over 70 U.S. patents and patent applications and many more worldwide. For information, visit www.imra.com or call (734) 930-2560.

About LLT RWTH Aachen University / Fraunhofer ILT
Since 1985, LLT and ILT are located in Aachen, Germany. With a staff of 190 and over 100 student staff, LLT and ILT have an international top position in transferring laser technology to industrial applications. Applications include manufacturing processes and systems, microelectronics and life science. The services are practical tests and feasibility studies, research for new beam sources and new fields for laser applications, transfer of research work into products as well as system integration and quality assurance. For information, visit www.ilt.fraunhofer.de or contact Dr. Jens Gottmann – Oberingenieur (assistant professor) LLT, RWTH Aachen, Steinbachstraße 15, 52074 Aachen, Germany Phone: (+49 241) 8906-406 e-mail: gottmann@llt.rwth-aachen.de

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Michelle Stock
Marketing Manager
IMRA America, Inc.
1044 Woodridge Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 930-2560
Fax: (734) 930-9957
e-mail: lasers@imra.com