COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Lease Commitments

In March 2004, the Company entered into a seven-year lease, beginning in August 2004, for approximately 16,500 square feet of mixed-use space from an unaffiliated third party at a base cost with escalations throughout the lease term plus additional common-area expenses based on the Company's proportionate share of the lessor's operating costs. The lease provided for two rent holidays, during which no rent was payable, and a moving allowance. In January 2011, the Company amended the lease effective January 1, 2011 to extend the term through January 2017 in exchange for a reduced rental rate and 50% rent abatement in the first 12 months of the extended term. The amended lease includes 3% annual rent escalations and a one-time option to terminate the lease effective as of July 31, 2014. The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis, giving consideration to the rent holidays, the moving allowance paid to the Company, and the rent abatement. At the Company's option, the amended lease can be extended for one five-year period. As of June 30, 2011, the Company's future minimum payments under this operating lease were $764,000.

Rent expense for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $48,000 and $55,000, respectively. Rent expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $94,000 and $110,000, respectively.

Purchase Commitments

On June 6, 1997, the Company entered into an amended and restated exclusive supply agreement with Cree, Inc. (“Cree”). The exclusive supply agreement had an initial term of ten years that was extended in January 2005 to July 2015. In connection with the amended and restated exclusive supply agreement, the Company has committed to purchase from Cree a minimum of 50%, by dollar volume, of its raw material SiC crystal requirements. If the Company's orders require Cree to expand beyond specified production levels, the Company must commit to purchase certain minimum quantities. There exist no outstanding purchase commitments under the amended and restated exclusive supply agreement as of June 30, 2011.