January 26, 2006, Jena, Germany--The Jenoptik Group is further expanding its micro-optics business with the acquisition of MEMS Optical (Huntsville, AL). This follows the company's purchase of Liebmann Optical Company (Easthampton, MA) in 1999 and Coastal Optical Systems (West Palm Beach, FL) in 2002.
According to Jenoptik, the deal will enable its photonics division, Jenoptik Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH, to broaden its technical expertise in the development and manufacture of micro-optic components and microstructures. It will also give Jenoptik international distribution channels in the United States and Japan. The merger is expected to close during the first quarter.
MEMS Optical specializes in the integrated development, fabrication, and distribution of of high-quality micro-optic components using grayscale lithography, which enables the manufacturing of any shape in miniaturized form with maximum precision.
In related news, Xtreme Technologies (Gottingen and Jena, Germany), a joint venture between Jenoptik AG and Ushio that was founded in April 2001, has received funding from Intel Capital to accelerate development of its extreme ultraviolet light source for photolithography applications. A corresponding strategic investment agreement was signed in late December.