Michigan photonics group grows to 25 members

Nov. 8, 2013

Ann Arbor, MI--Mi-Light celebrated the addition of Aerotech as the 25th member of the photonics group, which is dedicated to supporting Michigan’s industry and research assets in photonics and attracting companies, talent, and new business to the state. The cluster was formed at the end of 2012, with the support of 11 sponsors and $89,000 in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Since then, Mi-Light has held three member meetings and launched several committees to work on goals to grow the organization and its capabilities. Mi-Light has provided grant money to Baker College for scholarships and to equip labs for its new photonics and laser technology associate degree program, and is participating with the National Photonics Initiative to educate Congress about the fields of optics and photonics.

Related article:Baker College accelerates photonics and laser technology program with NSF grant

Aerotech joins Mi-Light members Advanced Photonix, Baker College, Coherix, Contour Metrogical and Manufacturing, Data Optics, Dow Corning, Electro-Optics Technology, EMAG Technologies, Fraunhofer USA, Grand Valley State University, IMRA America, IPG Photonics,
L-3 Comm, Laser Mechanisms, LumenFlow, Lurie Nanofabrication Facility, mlstock consulting, Nanocerox, Northwestern Michigan College, Precitec, Rigaku, SPIE, Trumpf, and Visotek.

About the Author

Conard Holton | Editor at Large

Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.