Crest Systems Selected as Applied Spectra’s LIBS System Distributor in Southeast Asia

Company will have exclusive sales/service contract for ASI’s LIBS products

FREMONT, Calif. (May 1, 2008) — Applied Spectra, Inc., a leading supplier laser ablation-based analytical instruments, announced the selection of Crest Systems, Sdn Bhd., to distribute and service their LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) products in Southeast Asia. Crest Systems will be the exclusive distributor in the countries of Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the province of Jiangsu in China. Initially, Crest Systems will market Applied Spectra’s RT100-HP instrument and its RT100-B standalone system.

The RT100-HP LIBS system features a built-in calibration process and customized measurement recipes, optimized for each client’s sample matrices. Additionally, the system offers a highly automated LIBS measurement experience, well suited for real time monitoring of multiple elements of analytical interest – such as checking manufacturing components for RoHS compliance. The RT100-B LIBS system features a high performance Broadband spectrograph/ICCD. When combined with Applied Spectra’s proprietary chemometric software, the RT100-B is an ideal tool for sample discrimination and classification.

“We are very pleased about this product distribution/service partnership with Crest Systems,” said Dr. Richard Russo, President of Applied Spectra. “Crest offers Applied Spectra access to a deep client base across diverse technology markets, including manufacturers of semiconductors, storage systems, solar energy solutions, automotive parts, steel, as well as researchers in academic and private arenas. We were impressed by Crest Systems’ energetic sales team and their in-depth knowlege of various technological markets. Being able to offer flawless and timely local support for our analytical products is of paramount importance to Applied Spectra. We feel confident that with Crest Systems’ proven track record of high quality local product support and our continuous drive for product excellence, we can provide our customers a satisfying ownership experience.”

About Crest Group

Established in 1999, Crest Systems(M) Sdn. Bhd. is focused on distribution and providing services of as well as equipment for the electronics industry, specializing in Quality Assurance, Failure Analysis, Microscopy Imaging and X-Ray Imaging solutions for the manufacturing and R &D sector. Crest Systems has since grown into a leading semiconductor, electronics and R &D solution provider in the above areas and has presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and China. Over the years, Crest Group has established strong relationships with reputable leading global suppliers to provide innovative solutions to our customers. Some of our partners include FEI, Metris- XTek, Sonoscan, Olympus, Park Systems, Nippon Scientific Corporation, Helmut Fischer and Akrometrix.
For more information, visit: www.crest-group.net.

About Applied Spectra

Applied Spectra is a leading supplier of laser-based analytical instruments. Our unique, highly automated products harness the latest in laser ablation analysis techniques. We simplify the process of elemental chemical analysis, while delivering rapid, high-precision results that are environmentally friendly. Founded in 2004, we have a manufacturing, research and development facility in Fremont, CA, USA.

For more information, visit: www.appliedspectra.com.