Pat Edsell named President and CEO of NP Photonics

Tucson, Arizona, April 6, 2004--NP Photonics, a developer and manufacturer of micro fiber products for sensing and scientific applications, has appointed industry veteran Pat Edsell president and CEO, replacing former president and CEO Charles Chandler.

Edsell brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience in the optical and microelectronics manufacturing industries to NP Photonics. Previously, he was president and CEO of Gigabit Optics Corporation,where he restructured the company and brought customer focus to the forefront, resulting in more than 40 customers and more than 20 design wins, plus Telcordia qualification for all Gigabit products.

Prior to Gigabit Optics, he was chairman, president, and CEO of Spectra-Physics for 11 years, during which time he was responsible for positioning the company as the premier global supplier of broad-based laser technology to the telecom, computer and microelectronics manufacturing, medical, graphics and research markets. During this period, he orchestrated a turnaround that resulted in the company becoming profitable, increasing the annual revenue from $80 million to $210 million. Additionally, he guided Spectra-Physics through its initial public offering in 1997.