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LG has made what Powerlase calls a ‘volume purchase’ of its Starlase AO8 laser, which has been designed specifically for plasma display panel manufacture. The laser will be used in the rapid laser patterning (RLP) process, which is replacing wet etch photolithography. The new technique, which creates patterns on the screens, is said to reduce production costs by cutting the number of manufacturing steps. Tony King, Powerlase’s ceo, said: “The introduction of Powerlase systems has significantly altered flat panel production methods. The previous wet etch technique was a six step process and required multi million dollar area steppers and patterning equipment. With the RLP technique the lasers directly pattern the surface used as the flat panel screen, removing the need for the stepper machine and patterning equipment and cutting production to a two step process.” According to LG, demand for high quality plasma display and flat panel tvs has increased significantly and its new laser systems will ensure it can meet consumer requirements.