Jmar Making Sensors for Environmental Monitoring

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 17 -- Jmar Technologies Inc., a developer of laser-based equipment for imaging, analysis and fabrication at the nanoscale, has received purchase orders for three READ (reversal electron attachment detection) units from FemtoTrace Inc. of Pomona, Calif. In partnership with FemtoTrace, Jmar is engineering and manufacturing three advanced chemical detection units based on FemtoTrace's READ technology for FemtoTrace customers.

Two major utilities, one in the US and one in the UK, will use the READ units for on-site, real-time environmental applications. The READ instruments will be used to detect the presence of dangerous polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), with the goal of protecting the environment. READ will also be used for locating underground dielectric oil leaks using environmentally friendly perfluorocarbon tracers (PFTs). The sensors can also be used for homeland security and utility infrastructure applications.

Under the previously announced contract, clearance for delivery of these beta units was subject to completion of two alpha units. Although not delivered to FemtoTrace at the time of this new order, the alpha units had gone through sufficient testing for FemtoTrace to release the beta orders to Jmar.

The purchase orders expand the original agreement between FemtoTrace and Jmar, announced in March 2003, from two Beta units to three, the third of which will be used for demonstrating and validating the capabilities of READ in a critical infrastructure security application. The three units will be built as a preproduction run at a total price exceeding $900,000, and are scheduled for phased delivery in the fourth quarter of 2005 and the first quarter of 2006.

For more information, visit: www.jmar.com