Varian Medical Systems Introduces PaxScan® Digital X-ray Image Detector for Dental, Medical, and High-Volume Semiconductor Inspection Markets | Varian

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Varian Medical Systems Introduces PaxScan® Digital X-ray Image Detector for Dental, Medical, and High-Volume Semiconductor Inspection Markets

SALT LAKE CITY, July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: VAR) a world leader in X-ray tubes and a premier supplier of digital image detectors for filmless X-rays, has introduced the new PaxScan® 1313, designed for low-cost, high quality imaging. Optimized for use in dental and orthopedic imaging and semiconductor inspection systems, the PaxScan 1313 offers a 13 x 13 cm imaging area, produces up to 30 images per second, and offers unmatched sensitivity.

Medical Applications In Orthopedics And Dentistry

The PaxScan 1313 is designed to replace the six-inch image intensifiers currently used in many orthopedic and dental imaging systems. "Image intensifier tubes offer only 8-bit depth, they degrade over time, and they must be replaced frequently in some cases, raising their cost," says Gary Okamoto, imaging products marketing manager for Varian Medical Systems. "Image quality is better with the PaxScan detector. It generates images of up to 16,000 shades of gray thanks to a 14-bit depth ADC (analog-to- digital) converter, giving it the highest contrast resolution available for a panel of this size. With higher contrast resolution, clinicians can see more detail. A flat panel imager also doesn't exhibit the pin cushion distortion characteristic of image intensifier tubes."

The panel's 127-micron pixel pitch -- one of the smallest in the industry -- results in a high signal-to-noise ratio, yielding high-quality images with enhanced contrast resolution and no distortion anywhere in the imaging area. For medical imaging applications, the panel features an efficient Cesium Iodide (CsI) scintillator optimized for scanning at 80-90 kilovolts (kV) in order to minimize the X-ray dose to the patient.

Semiconductor Inspection Applications

For semiconductor inspection applications, the PaxScan 1313 is the most durable flat panel digital image detector with the processing speed needed to inspect thousands of chips per hour. According to Okamoto, it is capable of high-speed screening of Ball-Grid-Arrays (BGA) and Lead-Grid-Arrays (LGA). The panel utilizes amorphous (non-crystalline) silicon, which makes it more resilient than competing CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) wafer detectors, and capable of lasting up to five times longer, even in highly demanding round-the-clock semiconductor screening operations."

Accessories

Varian offers a complete out-of-the-box solution for easy set-up in five minutes. Each PaxScan 1313 panel comes with Varian's ViVA™ application software for viewing images on a computer, the industry standard CameraLink® connector for digital video output, a universal compact power supply, an optional image capture board, and various cables to cover almost every application.

Varian's family of PaxScan image detectors are available in a variety of performance and image sizes, and have been incorporated into cardiac, angiographic, dental, and medical imaging systems, as well as systems for non-destructive testing.

For more information on product specifications and pricing, contact 1-801-973-5073.

ABOUT VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

Varian Medical Systems, Inc., of Palo Alto, California is the world's leading manufacturer of medical technology for treating cancer with radiotherapy and neurological conditions with radiosurgery. The company is also a premier supplier of X-ray tubes and flat-panel digital subsystems for imaging in medical, scientific, and industrial applications. Varian Medical Systems employs approximately 3,600 people who are located at manufacturing sites in North America and Europe and in its 56 sales and support offices around the world. Additional information is available on the company's web site at http://www.varian.com/.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this press release regarding future business, events, plans, objectives, expectations, estimates, and other similar matters, including, but not limited to, statements using the terms "anticipated," "will," and "plans" constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, the risks described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed from time to time by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements because of new information, future events, or otherwise.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
  Spencer Sias, 650-424-5782
  spencer.sias@varian.com

  Meryl Ginsberg, 650-424-6444
  meryl.ginsberg@varian.com

SOURCE: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Spencer Sias, +1-650-424-5782, or spencer.sias@varian.com, or
Meryl Ginsberg, +1-650-424-6444, or meryl.ginsberg@varian.com, both of Varian
Medical Systems, Inc.

Web site: http://www.varian.com/