Nanometrics Receives Multiple Metrology Orders for High-Brightness LEDs

MILPITAS, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Nanometrics Incorporated (Nasdaq: NANO), a leading supplier of advanced process
control metrology systems used primarily in the manufacturing and packaging of
semiconductors, solar photovoltaics and high-brightness LEDs, today announced
multiple orders from new and existing HB-LED customers for RPMBlue™ and IVS185™
metrology systems, which will be used for photoluminescence (PL) mapping and
critical dimension and overlay control, respectively. These systems are
scheduled to be delivered and qualified in the fourth quarter of this year.

"We have continued to extend our leadership position in HB-LED metrology and
process control with our newest PL mapping system, the RPMBlue," commented Tom
Ryan, Director of the Materials Characterization Business Unit at Nanometrics.
"Our customers in Asia are adopting the high-productivity RPMBlue to support the
rapidly-growing application of HB-LEDs for backlighting of notebook and LCD
televisions. This latest round of RPMBlue orders comes from end-device
manufacturers as well as a leading MOCVD reactor supplier. As the HB-LED process
flow becomes increasingly complex, it drives the requirement for improved
control of overlay and critical dimensions in the patterning process. Our IVS185
system, shipping for the first time to an HB-LED customer, is a cost-effective
solution that incorporates both overlay and CD control in a single tool, with
extendibility across multiple substrate sizes."

Nanometrics offers a comprehensive line of products and technologies for HB-LED
metrology and process control, including the RPMBlue for high-volume production
of LEDs used in LCD backlighting, the Vertex™ PL mapping system to support
leading-edge HB-LED process development, and the IVS185 overlay and CD system
for advanced LED patterning process control. These systems are used by over 90%
of the top-tier HB-LED manufacturers in development and production.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not
limited to, statements regarding the expected shipment and qualification of
multiple HB-LED metrology systems, the capabilities of Nanometrics` metrology
systems and the company`s market position in the HB-LED market. For additional
information and considerations regarding the risks faced by Nanometrics, see its
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2008 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other periodic reports filed
with the SEC from time to time. Although Nanometrics believes that the
expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable,
Nanometrics cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or
achievements. Nanometrics disclaims any obligation to update information
contained in any forward-looking statement.

About Nanometrics

Nanometrics is a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of
high-performance process control metrology systems used primarily in the
manufacturing of semiconductors, advanced wafer-scale packaging, solar
photovoltaics and high-brightness LEDs, as well as by customers in the silicon
wafer and data storage industries. Nanometrics standalone and integrated
metrology systems measure various thin film properties, critical dimensions,
overlay control, topography, and optical, electrical and material properties,
including the structural composition of silicon, compound semiconductor and
photovoltaic devices, during various steps of the manufacturing process, from
front end of line substrate manufacturing through die preparation for advanced
packaging. These systems enable device manufacturers to improve yields, increase
productivity and lower their manufacturing costs. The company maintains its
headquarters in Milpitas, California, with sales and service offices worldwide.
Nanometrics is traded on NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol NANO.
Nanometrics` website is http://www.nanometrics.com.

Headgate Partners LLC
Investor Relations:
Claire McAdams, 530-265-9899
530-265-9699 fax
claire@headgatepartners.com
or
Nanometrics Incorporated
Kevin Heidrich, 408-545-6000
408-317-1346 fax
kheidrich@nanometrics.com

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