Oriol

			Press Release
			High Brightness LED Startup Oriol, Inc., Launches Initial GIGABRIGHT Blue-Spectrum Product Santa Clara, California, USA, February 14, 2002—Oriol, Inc., an emerging, innovative gallium nitride high brightness light emitting diode (GaN HB-LED) package-ready die producer, today announced the launch of their industry-leading, high brightness blue LED product line. The GIGABRIGHT™ line of GaN HB-LEDs sets a brightness standard that enables new applications for advanced solid-state lighting. This state-of-the-art 445nm to 475nm family of die is based on Oriol's leading edge GaN chip design process. Oriol's proprietary process is highly extensible and is effective in generating a wide output spectrum ranging from UV through blue, green, and white. Increasing brightness in this spectrum, along with low cost and high efficiency, are the keys to expanding the currently available applications. This initial product in the GIGABRIGHT™ line is the result of two years of development at Oriol and takes advantage of several of the company's thirteen US patents currently pending. The performance of Oriol's initial blue spectrum product line is projected to produce as high as 5 candela at 20mA forward current, when using 5mm, 15 degree viewing angle packaging. Candela are one measure of brightness which is commonly used within the LED packaging industry. This projection is based on standard wafer probe measurements of production die assuming a conservative "k factor" which is calculated from Oriol's direct experience with HB-LED packagers. "Since the current best-in-class competitors can only offer 3.5 candela typical ratings in production, these metrics firmly place Oriol in a brightness leadership position within the highly competitive HB-LED arena," states Oriol's President, G. "Uncle Burt" Lancaster. He continued, "In addition, some LED die makers have been developing products that require special handling, Oriol die can be packaged using traditional die-mount equipment and processes." Oriol's GIGABRIGHT™ die features several unique, patent-pending layers of reflective metals combined with a sapphire substrate in order to maximize the light extraction efficiency of the device. Applications for GIGABRIGHT™ products include mobile phone backlights, specialty lighting, and electronic signs. (For more information on HB-LED applications, see The Revolution, below). Production volumes of die are available today. For more information on die or packaged lamps, visit www.oriolinc.com. For direct attention email info@oriolinc.com, call 408-327-9940 (Tom Jory, x225), or fax to 408-327-9944 (Attn: LED sales). About Oriol Oriol, Inc., is a USA-based, Santa Clara, California, gallium nitride high brightness light emitting diode (GaN HB-LED) privately funded startup, created two years ago by a unique team of individuals who bring a uniquely broad set of experiences in semiconductor-related industries including silicon, gallium arsenide (GaAs), GaN, gas & chemicals, plasma etching, wafer polishing, MEMS, and HB-LEDs. This eclectic experience base results in fresh ideas and new approaches to the challenges facing the GaN lighting community, and is the foundation for Oriol's, trademark tag line, "think outside the bulb." Oriol is committed to continuous improvement in HB-LED efficiency while reducing costs, which combine to enable innovative HB-LED applications in the lighting industry. Oriol HB-LEDs allow lighting designers to break out of the limitations of the traditional "bulb" and create exciting, efficient, attractive, colorful, and reliable lighting effects in homes, offices, stores, signs, or any place where light is needed, indoors or out. Press Contact: Tom Jory Oriol, Inc. tom@oriolinc.com Tel +1 408-327-9940 x225 Fax +1 408-327-9944 The Revolution There's a revolution underway in the world of lighting, and Oriol's GIGABRIGHT™ line is quickly emerging as a new leader. While conventional LEDs have existed for decades, it is only recently that truly high brightness LEDs (HB-LEDs), based on advanced solid-state semiconductor materials growth techniques have been commercially available, with blue spectrum work regarded as the most advanced. Oriol is not alone on its quest to break through the limitations of traditional lighting using HB-LED technology, and is building on peer efforts that have been underway worldwide for over a decade. The HB-LED Revolution... It started with red spectrum HB-LEDs for use in automotive brake lights, which help prevent accidents by turning on faster and with higher brightness, making recognition easier for other drivers. The revolution continued with applications in red and yellow traffic signal lights resulting in significant savings in energy costs. More recently, gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor materials made the impossible possible by allowing HB-LEDs to generate the unique blue-green colors of "go" lights worldwide. Then came tiny white GaN lamps in flashlights, which were small enough to fit on a key chain and guaranteed for life. Next, due wholly to the availability of commercial HB-LEDs in all colors, huge video screens the size of buildings, now capture the eyes and minds of sports fans, commuters, pedestrians, and concert crowds around the globe. Now, power-frugal white GaN HB-LEDs are creating light in places never before possible, for example into remote third world villages equipped only with pedal-powered generators. The possibilities are expanding as HB-LEDs are getting less expensive and brighter every year. Today, HB-LEDs are being designed into an array of applications where small size, low voltage, low maintenance, long life, power savings, color control, brightness control, directivity, and durability are needed. It's hard to think of a place where at least one of these benefits is not needed! Light, as we know it, is changing, and HB-LEDs are driving not only the shift away from incandescent, florescent, and neon "standard" bulbs, but enabling there to be light where there was no light before. GIGABRIGHT™ HB-LEDs, enlightened by Oriol...think outside the bulb...