About
02 July 2012
Second Quarter 2012 Industry News Summary
Industry Newsmakers
Second Quarter 2012
The following is a corporate news roundup from the Optical Society (OSA). This quarterly gathering of industry news is a complimentary service offered by the OSA PR team.
For more information on these or other OSA corporate members making news, please contact Lyndsay Meyer at lmeyer@osa.org or 202.416.1435.
OSA CORPORATE MEMBERS
MAKING NEWS
University of Arizona, College of Optical Sciences – 3-D Imaging Made Possible Through Astigmatic Projected Pattern
Lockheed Martin Aculight – How It Works: A Laser-Powered Ear Implant to Boost Hearing
Gooch & Housego – Gooch & Housego Led Development of Next Generation Fiber Optical Components Selected for Funding by Technology Strategy Board
Ocean Optics, Inc. – Ocean Optics and Tornado Medical Systems Partner on New Line of Spectrometers
Optimax Systems, Inc. – Optimax Execs Honored with 2012 New York State Small Business Person of the Year Award
Edmund Optics – Edmund Optics’ CEO, Robert Edmund, Named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Finalist in Greater Philadelphia
Second Quarter 2012 Industry News Summary
Temperatures aren’t the only thing on the rise in the second quarter of 2012 – OSA Corporate Associate Members have also been busy developing new products, building partnerships and raising their profiles.
Focus on Applications
Researchers at the University of Arizona, College of Optical Sciences (UA) are working to bring 3-D photography to digital cameras. The team has developed a new way to extract depth information using a conventional camera and a portable projection system. Unlike conventional 3-D cameras, UA’s system requires only one lens and does not inhibit the photographer’s ability to take high-quality two dimensional pictures with the same camera.
Lockheed Martin Aculight is developing new infrared laser-based cochlear implant technology. Unlike current ear implants, which stimulate auditory cells with electricity, Aculight’s technology stimulates the cells with heat, allowing for greater accuracy and therefore better sound reproduction. This type of nerve stimulation could also have applications for pacemakers, pain management, epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
Business Partnerships and Agreements
Gooch & Housego received a grant from the United Kingdom’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB). Gooch & Housego teamed with Fibercore and fellow OSA Corporate Associate Member Fianium to develop two areas of production technology; optical fiber and polarization maintaining optical fiber components. The grant was part of the TSB’s “Technology Inspired Innovation” competition for collaborative research projects aimed at developing new commercial products.
Ocean Optics, Inc. and Tornado Medical Systems have partnered to develop, manufacture and distribute a new line of spectrometers based on Tornado’s High Throughput Virtual Slit (HTVS) technology. The HTVS technology allows the light throughput of spectrometers to be increased 10-15 times without lowering the image resolution. The system is adaptable to a number of spectrometer components, which will allow for a high level of customization. The first units are expected to be available by Fall 2012.
Contracts, Awards and Accolades
Optimax Systems, Inc. executives Rick Plympton, CEO, and Mike Mandina, president, were awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2012 New York State Small Business Person of the Year award. The award recognizes individuals for their role in driving U.S. economic growth as well as personal achievements. The awards were presented in Washington, D.C. during National Small Business Week, May 20-26, which brought together small business leaders from all over the country for educational forums, networking sessions, and the awards ceremony.
Robert Edmund, CEO of Edmund Optics, was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Finalist for the Greater Philadelphia region. Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of The Year Program. The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards recognize outstanding entrepreneurs from more than 140 cities and 50 countries who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Edmund received his award at a special gala in June at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
