The Media and Precision Technology Co of Dainippon Screen Mfg Co Ltd has released MI-9500, a mask inspection system. The MI-9500 incorporates an upgraded image processing unit and new digital interpolation technology to improve inspection of photomasks for fine-line circuit boards with line widths as low as 7.5µm. A new defect detection algorithm improves the MI-9500’s ability to locate tiny defects. The MI-9500 uses an open/short pattern matching inspection technique to improve detection of opens and shorts. The unit is suitable for use in a clean room.