PerkinElmer adds Raman spectroscopy
To expand and complement its molecular spectroscopy product portfolio by adding a family of innovative bench-top dispersive Raman spectrometers, PerkinElmer (Boston, MA) announced the acquisition of Avalon Instruments (Belfast, Northern Ireland). The Avalon Raman platforms support bulk analysis and microscopic imaging, enabling scientists and technicians to gain more information about their samples with excellent reproducibility.
“Customers will now have a single dependable source for high-throughput IR, NIR, and Raman, along with integrated software and accessories,” said Robert F. Friel, president of PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences.
SPIE elects 2007 officers and directors
The International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE; Bellingham, WA) announced election results for terms beginning Jan. 1, 2007.
Brian Culshaw was elected by SPIE members to serve as the 2007 president. Culshaw is a professor of optoelectronics at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, Scotland) and is also the founding editor of the International Journal of Optoelectronics. Kevin G. Harding was elected to serve as the 2007 president-elect. He is the senior researcher and project leader for the General Electric Global Research Center. Maria J. Yzuel was elected by SPIE members to serve as the 2007 vice president. Yzuel is a professor with the Department of Physics, Group of Optics, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain. Secretary/treasurer and society director posts were also announced.
New biomedical optics company formed
A new company has been set up to exploit optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the biomedical optics arena. Optopod will leverage the skills, industry contacts, and international reputation of Adrian Podoleanu, professor of biomedical optics, who heads up the Applied Optics Group in the Department of Physical Sciences at the University of Kent (Canterbury, England).
The Department of Physical Sciences launched its new spin-out venture in collaboration with Kent Enterprise, based at the university, and Cambridge Science and Technology Consultants and Associates (CTSC; Cambridge, England). Several patents have been applied for, and the university has transferred these into the new company for an equity position.
Corning NetOptix completes expansion
In a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Corning (Corning, NY) marked the completion of a $2 million addition to Corning NetOptix (Keene, NH), its wholly owned subsidiary, which brings in precision CNC (computer numerical control) grind-and-polish capabilities as well as expanded coating capabilities and allows for additional assembly and test space.
The facility houses million-dollar optical-coating machines as well as many state-of-the-art diamond-turning machines. Corning’s Advanced Optics and Materials businesses aim to satisfy the U.S. defense industry’s increasing demand for complete solutions that include design, materials, components and optical subassemblies. “This addition will enable us to produce quality refractive components at a competitive price, with shortened lead times,” said John Lucey, Corning NetOptix vice president and general manager.
Twenty attain top honors from the OSA
The Optical Society of America (OSA; Washington, D.C.) announced this year’s recipients of 20 of its most prestigious awards. OSA bestows many of these awards during a formal presentation ceremony that will take place at the Society’s annual meeting, Frontiers in Optics, Oct. 9 in Rochester, NY.
“OSA’s awards recognize exceptional achievements in optics and photonics. Each of the award recipients has demonstrated a deep commitment and vision to his or her area of expertise,” said Elizabeth Rogan, OSA’s executive director.
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Also in the news . . .
Boeing (St. Louis, MO) and the U.S. Air Force successfully redirected a laser beam to a target using the Aerospace Relay Mirror System that greatly enhances laser weapon system performance by reducing the atmosphere’s effects on laser beams and extending their range beyond line of sight. . . . Edmund Optics (Barrington, NJ) reported 13 consecutive quarters of year-on-year sales growth, with a 10.6% increase in consolidated revenue in 2005 and a 5% improvement in profitability. . . . Rogers (Rogers, CT) and Varioptic (Lyon, France) have collaborated to provide OEMs and module makers in the handheld and other market segments with a new liquid lens optical system consisting of Varioptic’s autofocus Liquid Lens. . . . A new market research report from BCC Research (Wellesley, MA) says the total U.S. market for spectroscopic instruments was more than $3.6 billion in 2005 and will cross $5.2 billion by 2010. . . . A semiconductor packaging manufacturer placed a multi-unit $1.7 million order for the SP3250 Optical Profiler from Veeco Instruments (Woodbury, NY) for defect inspection and in-line performance monitoring.