Park Systems

The advent and commercialization of AFM

In 1985, Sang-il Park, the CEO of Park Systems, was a PhD student and integral member of Professor Calvin Quate’s team at Stanford, which invented the atomic force microscopy (AFM) together with the researchers at IBM. In 1988, Dr. Park upon his graduation took this technology out of the lab and founded Park Scientific Instruments (PSI), where it pioneered the commercialization of AFM. After releasing a series of AFM products that were sold into both academia and industry, PSI was acquired by Thermo Spectra in 1997.

The next generation AFM and Park Systems

Recognizing the potential of AFM, Dr. Park returned to South Korea and founded Park Systems (prev. PSIA) with a vision to develop the next generation AFM that would solve the shortcomings of conventional systems the monolithic scanning architecture that produced bowed images, and crosstalk phenomena that generated data artifacts and make True Non-Contact AFM a reality.

Furthermore, Park Systems developed the industrial AFM systems and succeeded in selling them to the world’s largest data storage makers. This provided a platform for the subsequent development of automated AFM for the semiconductor market.

Market lead and the IPO

Park Systems grew rapidly through the introduction of new AFM series, and expansion of the product lines. It provided the most comprehensive line of AFMs from research desktop to fully automated AFM systems integrated with robotic arms.

Park Systems signed the first and second joint development projects (JDP) with imec, a world-leading R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. These collaborations were aimed to enhance developments toward next-generation in-line AFM metrology solutions. The company signed the first JDP in 2015, through which it officially joined and established itself as a member of imec's Industrial Affiliation Program (IIAP). Through the JDPs, the two organizations developed the new AFM metrology solutions for the wafer semiconductor sector and supplied 200 in-line AFM units to major semiconductor production lines worldwide.

The company received AA ratings from two separate financial agencies on advanced technologies, becoming the first company to be listed on the KOSDAQ in 2015.

Accelerated growth

Park Systems has accelerated its growth through expanded geographical coverage by adding new regional headquarters in Germany, UK, France, Singapore, India, China, Taiwan and Mexico, in addition to Korea, Japan and the US.

Moreover, the successful penetration of its AFM systems into semiconductor fabs, and subsequent domination of this market has catapulted Park Systems onto the position of the world’s leading AFM manufacturer. In 2020, Forbes recognized Park Systems as the emerging top 200 companies under $1 Billion in Asia.

In 2022, Park Systems expanded its business portfolio by acquiring Accurion GmbH, a Germany-based company that develops and manufactures imaging spectroscopic ellipsometers (ISE) and active vibration isolations (AVI).

Long-term growth opportunities

Park Systems remains dedicated to perpetual advancement, consistently refining its product roadmap to align with the evolving industrial landscape. Through strategic acquisitions and equity investments, the company has consistently bolstered the synergy within its product offering. Furthermore, Park Systems is committed to enhancing its capabilities through mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on companies that offer clear potential product and value synergies.

The pursuit of long-term growth opportunities places Park Systems at the forefront of innovation, boasting a comprehensive suite of automated AFMs meticulously tailored to cater to diverse needs. In the dynamic semiconductor and display sector, where precision reigns supreme, Park AFMs play a pivotal role in semiconductor fabrication metrology, device failure analysis, and various industrial applications. The significance of nanometrology in optimizing device fabrication and performance cannot be understated, and Park Systems stands poised to lead in this critical aspect.

The convergence of Park Systems’s advanced nanometrology portfolio with the demands of the semiconductor and display sectors strategically positions the company to harness enduring growth opportunities.

Key Facts at a Glance

Park Systems achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% between 2015 and 2023, securing its position as the global leader in AFM. The company currently has a sales network spanning over 30 countries with 500+ employees, with more than 31% of them engaged in R&D.

25%

Revenue compounded growth

FY2015 - FY2023

31%

R&D investment

Manpower of headcount

AFM market share*

2023 Global AFM market leader

*the Global Atomic-Force Microscopy, Market Report 2023 released by QYResearch

>1.2
trillion

Market capitalization

Currency in KRW (Dec 31, 2023)

63
sites

Global network

14 Direct offices

Forbes Asia's200

Recognition

Named to Forbes Asia's 200 listing in 2020/2023

グローバルネットワーク

63拠点、14直轄事務所.

パーク・システムズは、アメリカ、ヨーロッパ、アジア、オセアニアにまたがりオフィスを展開し、
各地域において多くの代理店やパートナーと提携しています。

拠点検索

ESG

We uphold top ESG standards through environmental projects, community engagement, ethical practices, and strong governance, aiming for a positive impact on the planet, society, and stakeholders.

History

Park Systems was founded by one of the original developers of atomic force microscopy with a mission to bring the world's most accurate nanoscale metrology and imaging instruments to a broad market.

Career

We are always interested in recruiting qualified candidates interested in joining our growing team, especially in the areas of engineering, sales, marketing, and technical support.

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NANOscientific Magazine

NANOscientific is published quarterly to showcase advancements in the field of Nanoscience and technology across a wide range of multidisciplinary areas of research.

研究・表面分析用AFM

インライン計測用AFM

エリプソメーター

振動制御

企業情報

会社概要

Park Systems Corporation

About Park Systems

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News

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Career

Investors

The leading innovator of nanoscale microscopy and metrology solutions

The advent and commercialization of AFM

The next generation AFM and Park Systems

Market lead and the IPO

Accelerated growth

Long-term growth opportunities

Key Facts at a Glance

Revenue compounded growth

R&D investment

AFM market share*

Market capitalization

Global network

Recognition

グローバルネットワーク

63拠点、14直轄事務所.

ESG

History

Career

NANOscientific Symposium

NANOscientific Magazine