Agilent Inc. ( A - Analyst Report ) opened Europe’s first Agilent-equipped terahertz measurement laboratory at the University of Leeds, U.K. The laboratory will be used for research on devices, components, circuits and systems at a frequency higher than ever done before.

The laboratory will be used for new research in nanoelectronics. The measurement equipment in the lab will also be helpful in measuring transistors, THz biosensors, magnetic storage elements, THz spin-switches and other acoustoelectric devices.

Terahertz technology is currently being used in information and communication technology (ICT) equipment, medical science, quality control of food substances and for monitoring of the environment.

Agilent has been active on the collaboration front. Earlier, Agilent entered into a 3-year collaboration with the University Of Houston, to further research the geology and composition of crude oil.

Agilent’s success at leading universities comes from its superior technology and comprehensive portfolio. The company regularly updates and upgrades its portfolio to maintain its leadership position.

Intel ( INTC - Analyst Report ) is also using terahertz measurement for designing its new transistors that can reduce current leakage, thus lowering power consumption while working at higher speed.

Agilent’s revenue in the third quarter was flat sequentially and up 1.9% year over year, short of management’s expectations of a 2-3% sequential increase ($1.77 billion to $1.79 billion). The Electronic Measurement segment contributed 49.0% of revenue. The weakness was on the computing/semiconductor sides of the business.

The Life Sciences segment generated 23.0% of revenue, down 1.0% sequentially and up 2.1% from last year. The Chemical Analysis segment generated 22.0% of third quarter revenue, down 8.8% sequentially and 7.0% year over year. The sequential decline was largely because of weakness in food testing.

Currently, Agilent Technologies has a Zacks #4 Rank, implying a short-term Sell rating.