Park Systems has been recognized by CIOReview Magazine as the recipient of “Top 20 Semiconductor Technology Solution Companies - 2018,” based on our proprietary methodology, reflecting its position in the industry. This profile has been developed by the CIOReview research and editorial team based on insights from an interview with Keibock Lee, President & GM.

Park Systems
Improving Wafer Production Quality Assurance with Atomic Force Microscopy

Keibock Lee, President & GM

Miniaturization of device geometry, new materials and increasing levels of chip integration requires the semiconductor industry to face production challenges to optimize accuracy throughout the wafer manufacturing process. Conventional techniques such as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and other optical methods have become inadequate to offer the required precision and reliability to achieve their goals. Semiconductor companies world-wide have partnered with world-leading AFM manufacturer Park Systems to fulfill their nanoscale microscopy needs, with their comprehensive line of Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) rendering unparalleled accuracy and versatility, including Park NX-Wafer, a revolutionary AFM solution designed for bare wafer manufacturing that fully automates the automatic defect review process and increases production throughput by an astounding 1,000 percent. At the same time, the operating costs are low thanks to Park’s unique technology and innovative engineering.

“Ever increasing advances in nanoscale science demand accurate and reliable 3D characterization in real-time at the highest nanoscale resolutions. Customers can choose from our diverse range of products as AFMs are used in virtually every area of nano scientific research today,” states Keibock Lee, President and General Manager of Park Systems.

To bring out the solutions and performances based on client requirements, Santa Clara, California-based Park Systems works diligently on the initial conditions before placing the purchase orders in bulk. “We work along the same line of thought with some of the major semiconductor companies; Imec is one the largest consortium of semiconductor companies and they have been our partners for the last three years and helped us produce many good results.”

In partnership with semiconductor manufacturers, Park Systems developed the Park NX-3DM series, designed exclusively for high-resolution sidewall imaging and critical angle measurements of semiconductor wafers. Park’s wide range of AFM solutions includes proprietary software SmartScan, exclusively tailored for the automation of data acquisition and analysis, allowing even novice users to get accurate AFM results.

Park PinPoint AFM technique was designed to obtain higher spatial resolution and sensitivity over a variety of wafer samples, by developing a well defined electric contact between the tip and the surface.

Customers can tailor our diverse range of products to their distinctive needs as AFMs are highly versatile and are widely employed in the scientific research arena to develop product and efficiency

Furthermore, PinPoint allows imaging of samples with extremely narrow trenches of very high aspect ratio.

Park Systems developed the True Non- Contact AFM technology that maintains the probe sharpness, which is crucial for high resolution repeatability throughout the scans, and at the same time, preserve the sample from damage. Lee explains, “We have a superior technology and our AFMs are advanced as they are designed based on a fundamentally different architecture.”

Being a technology driven company, Park Systems is set to develop new generation technologies with AFM as a part of the whole tech solution. Today, only a fraction of the tremendous amount of data generated through each layer of wafer is being utilized. “We are developing next generation software that would use the artificial intelligence to process this huge amount of data, employing the big data technology,” concludes Lee.

Park Systems extensive product line in AFM product nanoscale metrology has resulted in continuous growth for over 25 years and significant rapid global expansion since 2015, when Park Systems issued an IPO, demonstrating their ambition to take a quantum leap forward as a premier nano-measurement company, based on their technological competitiveness and a uniquely differentiated product line. Park also offers Park AFM Scholarships, for easy access to AFM for researchers globally, hosts NanoScientific symposiums world-wide and has opened Park NanoScience Labs around the world, shared knowledge centers for nanotechnology research. In addition to Korea, there are Park NanoScience Centers at SUNY Polytech in Albany, NY, Manheim Germany at Park’s new European Headquarters, Japan, China, Singapore, India, and Mexico.

Park Systems

Park Systems Recognized in Forbes Asia's Best Under A Billion 2023

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

SEOUL, South Korea - Park Systems, announce its distinguished inclusion in Forbes Asia's "Best Under A Billion 2023." This recognition marks a second appearance for Park Systems in Forbes's prestigious list, following its remarkable inclusion in the Forbes 200 in the year 2020.

Forbes Asia's annual Best Under A Billion list pays tribute to companies that have achieved remarkable success despite facing substantial global challenges, such as inflation and increasing funding costs. Park Systems proudly holds a place on this year's prestigious list of Korea's top 16 companies, highlighting its outstanding performance and excellence. This recognition is particularly noteworthy given the extensive consideration of over 20,000 publicly traded companies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Park Systems has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This acknowledgment reinforces the company's dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions to researchers and industries worldwide. Over the past several years, Park Systems has exhibited steady growth in both revenue and earnings while making substantial investments in research and development. The company's range of nano-metrology systems, including Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs) and ellipsometers, finds applications across diverse industries, including semiconductors, electronics, materials science, life sciences, and more.

The selection process for Forbes Asia's Best Under A Billion list is meticulous and considers a variety of metrics. These metrics encompass debt management, sales growth, earnings-per-share growth over one- and three-year periods, and robust returns on equity over one- and five-year averages. Qualitative criteria, such as governance, accounting practices, environmental consciousness, and management performance, were also taken into account to ensure the integrity of the list.

"We are deeply honored to be recognized by Forbes Asia as one of the Best Under A Billion companies for 2023 and to represent Korea among the top 16," said Dr. Sang-il Park, CEO of Park Systems. "This acknowledgment reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. It follows our inclusion in the Forbes 200 in 2020, which speaks to our long-standing dedication to excellence."

Forbes Asia's Best Under A Billion 2023 list is a testament to the resilience and success of Park Systems, and the company looks forward to further strengthening its position as a global leader in the nanometrology industry.

Sang-il Park, CEO of Park Systems, Honored with the Esteemed Hanyang Paiknam Award

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Park Systems, a global leader in atomic force microscopy (AFM), is proud to announce that CEO, Dr. Sang-il Park, has been honored with the prestigious Hanyang Paiknam Award. This accolade is bestowed by Hanyang University to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of education and research, Korean culture, and society.

The Hanyang Paiknam Award, established in 2013, commemorates the spirit of Paiknam Kim Lyun-joon, the founder of Hanyang University. Winners of this esteemed award are celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the Korean society and beyond. Dr. Park joins a distinguished list of past laureates, including former presidents, prominent business leaders, and renowned artists.

Dr. Park expressed his profound gratitude upon receiving the award, reflecting on his blessed journey from aspiring to be a scientist like Edison in his childhood to establishing Park Systems, a pinnacle in the world of nanotechnology. His educational and professional odyssey, marked by significant milestones and challenges, epitomizes a life of relentless pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and contribution to society and the nation.

“Receiving the Hanyang Paiknam Award is a significant marker in my life, a testament to a journey marked by challenges, innovations, and contributions to the field of nanotechnology,” said Dr. Park. “I am immensely grateful and consider this as an impetus to aim higher, contributing further to the global stature of South Korea and the advancement of nanotechnology for the better world.”

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Park recounted the pivotal moments of his life, from his academic pursuits at Stanford to the establishment of Park Systems, and its ascension as a globally recognized leader in AFM. He paid tribute to his supportive network, including his dedicated team at Park Systems and his family, underscoring the collective effort behind individual achievements.

Park Systems, under Dr. Park's visionary leadership, has been instrumental in pushing the frontiers of nanoscale characterization, contributing significantly to global advancements in nanometrology. The Hanyang Paiknam Award underscores Dr. Park’s lifelong contributions, aligning with the legacy of Paiknam Kim Lyun-joon and Hanyang University's tradition of excellence.

The Hanyang Paiknam Award continues its tradition of celebrating exceptional contributions, accompanied by a 100 million KRW cash prize in the engineering sector, inspiring future generations to embody the spirit of innovation, contribution, and societal advancement encapsulated in the legacy of its founder, Paiknam Kim Lyun-joon.

Top 20 Semiconductor Technology Solution Companies - 2018

Company
Park Systems

Management
Keibock Lee, President & GM

Description
Provides the most accurate and yet very easy to use AFMs for wafer measurements in the semiconductor industry

Park Systems Improving Wafer Production Quality Assurance with Atomic Force Microscopy