Metrologic Awarded $1.8 Million in Additional Funding from Lawrence Li

    Business Editors/Science Editors

    BLACKWOOD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2005--Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ-NMS:MTLG), experts in optical image capture and processing solutions, who design, manufacture and market worldwide sophisticated imaging and bar code scanning solutions for a variety of applications, today announced that its subsidiary, Adaptive Optics Associates Inc. ("AOA"), has been awarded additional funding from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory ("LLNL") for deliveries of Output Sensor Packages and Light Source Launchers to be used on the National Ignition Facility ("NIF") Construction Project. The additional funding authorized is $1.8 million for efforts to be completed in 2005.

    AOA's Involvement

    Since 2001, AOA has been working with LLNL to provide precision opto-mechanical assemblies in support of the NIF project. Previous purchase orders included multi-year production contracts for Output Sensor Packages (OSP) and Light Source Launchers (LSL). These existing awards cover multiple years and represent a total potential value in excess of $9.8 million, of which $1.5 million was funded in previous years and approximately $6.5 million is as yet unfunded.
    The new funding released to AOA is to deliver Fiscal Year 2005 ("FY05") requirements for the OSP and LSL diagnostic modules within NIF. The OSP modules include diagnostics for the main laser power, energy and wavefront quality. The LSL units provide precisely aligned reference beams to aid the alignment of the 192 NIF beam lines. "AOA is pleased to receive the FY05 incremental funding awards for these two important programs from LLNL. This is a solid demonstration of the laboratory's commitment to NIF and AOA's participation as a key, long-term supplier," stated Jeffrey Yorsz, AOA's President and General Manager.

    About NIF

    The National Ignition Facility houses the world's largest laser system consisting of 192 laser beams that will deliver 1.8 megajoules of ultraviolet light to targets located at the center of its 10-meter diameter target chamber. Experiments on NIF will allow scientists to create conditions of extreme temperature and pressure in materials similar to those that occur naturally in the centers of planets, stars, and nuclear weapons.
    NIF's lasers can also be used to compress and heat BB-sized capsules of hydrogen fusion fuel that will create thermonuclear ignition and energy gain, an important step on the path towards limitless energy production. NIF is the word's most energetic laser and has already delivered record setting energies in the infrared, green and ultraviolet laser beams. When NIF is completed it is expected to be able to create, for a billionth of a second, nearly 1000 times the electric generating power of the entire United States.
    Built to support the nation's Stockpile Stewardship Program, the facility will also aid basic science and fusion energy research. When completed in 2008, NIF will have over 33,000 square feet of precision optics with over 26,000 small optics components. Under the management of the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration and the University of California, the project is a collaboration of government agencies, national laboratories, universities, and industrial partners.

    About Metrologic and AOA

    Metrologic Instruments, Inc. ("Metrologic" or the "Company") designs, manufactures and markets bar code scanning and high-speed automated data capture systems solutions using laser, holographic and vision-based technologies. Metrologic offers expertise in 1D and 2D bar code reading, portable data collection, optical character recognition, image lift, and parcel dimensioning and singulation detection for customers in retail, commercial, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and postal and parcel delivery industries. In addition to its extensive line of bar code scanning and vision system equipment, the Company also provides laser beam delivery and control systems, as well as a variety of highly sophisticated optical systems used by the commercial, government, and scientific communities. Metrologic products are sold in more than 110 countries worldwide through Metrologic's sales, service and distribution offices located in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information please call 1-800-ID-METRO or visit www.metrologic.com.

    Forward-Looking Statement

    Forward-looking statements contained in this release are highly dependent upon a variety of important factors which would cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward looking statements. Specifically, the timing and extent to which the Company's subsidiary receives additional funding awards under the contract could cause actual results to differ from expectations. When used in this release and documents referenced, the words "believes," "expects," "may," "should," "seeks," or "anticipates," and similar expressions as they relate to Metrologic or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. For additional factors, please see Metrologic's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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CONTACT: Metrologic Investor Relations: Dale Fischer, 856-228-8100 x5505 d.fischer@metrologic.com or News Media: Steve Gary, 856-228-8100 x5860 s.gary@metrologic.com or AOA's Contact for Advanced Optical Systems: Jeffrey Yorsz, 617-806-1400 jeffy@aoainc.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA NEW JERSEY INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE EDUCATION GOVERNMENT MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.

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