Tokyo, Japan 1/16/19—Hitachi High-Technologies has purchased Applied Physics Technologies (AP Tech) for an undisclosed amount. AP Tech develops, manufactures and sells electron sources for electron microscopes and other instruments. Hitachi High-Technologies stated it will expand AP Tech’s sales and R&D for electron source-related technologies, as well as undertake joint R&D. It also stated that AP Tech is one of a small number of companies with manufacturing technology for electron sources.

The other cathode suppliers for electron microscopy are Denka and Kimball Physics. The purchase provides Hitachi with direct access to a key component of electron microscopes and other advanced technologies. The deal comes after plans by other EM suppliers for vertical integration (see Executive Briefing).