News

Dr. Yi Tu joins First Nano

Santa Barbara, CA, March 4, 2004 – First Nano today announced that Dr. Yi Tu has been hired for the position of Principal Scientist. Dr. Tu will concentrate on nanomaterials research, product development, and collaborate with customers to facilitate their nanotechnology research.

“We are delighted that Dr. Tu has joined our team,” said Cary Chee, Chief Executive Officer of First Nano. “His extensive experience in carbon nanotube and nanowire synthesis will be a valuable asset for First Nano and our customers.”

Tu received a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Boston College under the supervision of Professor Zhifeng Ren (1998-2003), studying nanomaterials synthesis and applications during his graduate program. Thesis title: “Controlling the Site Density of Aligned Carbon Nanotubes and Its Applications in Nano-Electrodes Assemblies and Field Emission.” Tu earned a B.S., in Chemistry, 1996, from Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China.

Additionally, Tu has extensive experience in growth of random and aligned carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition method. He performed intensive study on field emission properties of carbon nanotubes and improved the performance and stability of carbon nanotube field emitter by controlling the site density and modifying the surface of carbon nanotube. Tu also developed a new type of carbon nanotube based nanoelectrode arrays-electrochemical sensor that can be used as a biosensor for glucose and other bio-molecular detection.

Dr. Tu has authored over 14 publications in top scientific journals, two book chapters in the Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, gave several presentations and posters in conferences of international scope, and filed a U.S. patent based on his nanotube research.

About First Nano.

First Nano, Inc. was established in May 2003, to develop and manufacture process equipment uniquely suited to nanotechnology applications. Founded by Dr. Virgil Elings, founder of Digital Instruments, Dennis Adderton, formerly of NanoDevices and Digital Instruments, Dr. Stephen Minne of Stanford University and formerly President of NanoDevices, Hector Cavazos, and Cary Chee, formerly of FEI and Veeco, First Nano manufactures the industry’s first innovative, turnkey process equipment for the synthesis of a variety of one-dimensional nanostructures and materials.

First Nano is a privately held company specializing in the manufacture of process equipment for nanotechnology applications.

For further information Contact: Investor Relations, Phone: 631 981-7081, Fax: 631 981-7095 or email: investorrelations@cvdequipment.com