Extraction Systems forms new optics-protection R&D group
Extraction Systems Inc. (Franklin, MA), which manufactures airborne-molecular-contamination measurement and control products for ultraclean environments, has launched an R&D group to address protection of optical elements in advanced deep-UV lithography systems. As the industry migrates to 193-nm lithography, optics contamination has surfaced as a key issue for semiconductor manufacturers. Molecular contaminants can react with the higher energy source found in this application to form films on exposed optical surfaces. Left unchecked, these contaminants will eventually shorten system lifetimes.
Wescam acquires optics supplier
Wescam (Burlington, Ontario, Canada), which manufactures wireless visual information systems, has acquired all of the shares of Applied Physics Specialties Ltd. (APS; Don Mills, Ont., Canada) for $7.4 million in cash. APS designs and manufactures precision optical assemblies and components for both daylight and infrared applications related to medical laser equipment, commercial projection equipment, spectroscopy, and space applications. This acquisition gives Wescam control of a specialized line of supply, and is also expected to provide the firm with approximately $3 million in annual revenue and reduced lens costs.
Gemfire receives new funding
Gemfire (Palo Alto, CA), an integrated photonics company creating multiport integrated active components for optical networks, has received more than $85 million in funding since its inception, with $63 million raised in its latest round. Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Finisar, Intel Corp., and TriQuint Semiconductor participated in this round of funding, along with venture capital firms Hook Partners, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Mohr Davidow Ventures, and Spring Creek Partners.
Edmund Optics to upgrade Pennsburg, PA optics manufacturing and coating facility
Optical component manufacturer and supplier Edmund Optics Inc. (Barrington, NJ) has received approval for a $4-million loan from the Montgomery County Industrial Development Authority for investment in its Pennsburg, PA-based optics manufacturing and coating facility. Facility upgrades include a coating facility to accommodate more commercial coating capabilities. In addition, the optomechanical assembly facility will be upgraded to class 1000 cleanroom, and there will be an efficiency upgrade to the high-speed polishing area.
Optimax Systems acquires Gould Precision Optics
Optimax Systems Inc. (Rochester, NY) has acquired Gould Precision Optics Inc., which will continue to operate from its Binghamton, NY facility. According to Optimax VP Rick Plympton, the firms are complementary as both grind and polish optical components for prototype and OEM projects. Optimax specializes in spheric and aspheric optics, while Gould manufactures plano and cylindrical optics.
MOEC completes second-round financing
Optical-components manufacturer Molecular OptoElectronics Corp. (MOEC; Watervliet, NY) has completed $20 million in second-round financing. The round, which was led by Lehman Brothers Venture Partners, also included commitments from Epoch Partners, as well as first-round investor Intel Capital. The new funding will be used to strengthen MOEC's product-manufacturing, R&D, sales and marketing, and customer, partner, and alliance efforts.
Also in the news . . .
Both the Buena, NJ, and Vineland, NJ-based facilities of Wilmad-Labglass have achieved quality-management-system registration to ISO 9002. . . . The University of Nottingham (Nottingham, England) is the first center for research in optoelectronic simulation to be funded by Bookham Technology (Abingdon, England). . . . Optical chip manufacturer Opto Speed Holding S.A. has opened new corporate headquarters in Mezzovico, Switzerland.
Paula Noaker Powell