Exhibit 99.1

                             Financial Update by CFO

                                November 18, 2004


The visibility we have at this time regarding the current quarter is
indicating the comments made in the 3Q04 earnings release teleconference call
remain valid. We are still anticipating revenue for 4Q04 to be in a roughly
+/-10% range sequentially from 3Q04. The key events which may affect the
operating results for the quarter appear to be with two Asia/Pacific advanced
packaging customers, both of whom have anticipated install/acceptance dates late
in the quarter. Gross margin still looks to be in a range of 48%-51%, based on
the projected product mix for the quarter. Operating margin for 4Q04 still looks
to be in a range of breakeven to 10%. We continue to anticipate an estimated
income tax amount of about $600k for 4Q04, driven by corporate income taxes on
our operations in Japan. Earnings per share (diluted) for 4Q04 are still
projected in a range of $0.00-$0.15. Cash flow is still expected to be neutral
to slightly negative, as we continue to fund efforts needed in ramping up
activities for our laser processing commitments.

For the full year of 2005, the comments made in the 3Q04 earnings release
teleconference call also appear to remain valid. Annual revenue growth could
achieve on the order of 20%-25% compared with 2004. Gross margin still looks to
be around 50%, based on the projected product mix for the year. Operating margin
for the year continues to look to be in a range of 10%-13%. The projected tax
rate for the year still looks to be about 10%, due primarily to the
aforementioned impact from Japan. Earnings per share (diluted) for the year are
still projected in a range of $0.60-$0.70. Cash flow for the year is still
anticipated to be positive.

Safe Harbor Statement
---------------------
Certain of the statements contained herein may be considered
forward-looking statements under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
that involve risks and uncertainties, such as the cyclicality in the
nanotechnology and semiconductor industries, delays, deferrals and cancellations
of orders by customers, pricing pressures, competition, lengthy sales cycles for
the company's systems, ability to volume produce systems and meet customer
requirements, the mix of products sold, dependence on new product introductions
and commercial success of any new products, integration and development of the
laser thermal processing operation, sole or limited sources of supply,
international sales, customer concentration, manufacturing inefficiencies and
absorption levels, risks associated with introducing new technologies, inventory
obsolescence, economic and political conditions in Asia, delays in collecting
accounts receivable, extended payment terms, changes in technologies, the
outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and any adverse effects of
terrorist attacks or military actions in the United States or elsewhere on the
economy in general or our business in particular. Such risks and uncertainties
are described in the company's SEC reports including the company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and its Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 2004.


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