PORTLAND, Ore. – Electro Scientific Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:ESIO), a leading supplier of innovative laser-based manufacturing solutions for the microtechnology industry, today announced that Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, a leading research institute based in Germany, has selected ESI’s advanced laser ablation platform, the NWR-193, as part of an expansion of the university’s solid sampling elemental analysis research programs. The NWR-193 will be used in JGU’s groundbreaking research initiatives, such as trace element studies of volcanic olivines, paleoclimatology and zircon dating, using laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

“ESI’s NWR-193 system is the perfect addition to JGU’s research facilities and extends our trace element capabilities considerably,” said Dr. Stephen Foley, professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. “The new system is essential for maintaining the international leadership position of JGU’s micro-analytical infrastructure, as well as the two Max-Planck institutes on campus. It also provides students a tremendous opportunity to work with the innovative instrumentation and microtechnology as we integrate the system into our curriculum.”

ESI’s NWR-193 is an advanced, short-pulse-width (<5ns), excimer-based laser ablation system. The highly configurable system features a variety of sample chambers and accessories to address all application needs. The NWR-193 offers a full complement of analytical tools, including a touch screen navigational interface, benchmark viewing optics and imaging, auto sampling, sample-mapping and other features for in-situ and bulk analysis. The system will be used for research in petrology, gemology, paleoclimate and anthropocene studies at JGU’s Earth System Science Research Center (Geocycles). “Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is one of the leading analytical geoscience facilities in the world,” said Dr. Ciaran O’Connor, product manager in ESI’s New Wave Research division. “We are thrilled to be working with the university as it initiates new, leading-edge research with the NWR-193 on a very broad spectrum of laser ablation applications.” About Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz With almost 36,000 students from more than 130 nations, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) ranks as one of Germany’s largest universities and is the scientific and academic center of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz). Some 2,900 scholars and scientists, including 480 professors, teach and conduct research at more than 150 institutes and clinics. For more information about the JGU, visit http://www.uni-mainz.de/ About ESI, Inc. ESI is a leading supplier of innovative, laser-based manufacturing solutions for the microtechnology industry. Our systems enable precise structuring and testing of micron to submicron features in semiconductors, electronic devices, LEDs and other high-value components. We partner with our customers to make breakthrough technologies possible in the semiconductor, microelectronics and other emerging industries. Founded in 1944, ESI is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with global operations from the Pacific Northwest to the Pacific Rim. More information is available at www.esi.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements about the markets we serve, profitability and growth. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us on the date of this release. Our full-length statement is posted on ESI’s website at: http://investors.esi.com/releases.cfm .