As a result of its recent acquisition of Schott Lithotec’s synthetic fused silica technology, the j-fiber Group can provide optics and laser markets with high-purity synthetic silica. The fall 2010 transaction involved the transfer of processes, people and expertise. Schott Lithotec is based in Mainz, Germany. J-fiber bought Schott’s fused silica melting process, including burner, annealing and selected machinery for further silica treatment, as well as measurement technology for quality assurance, process documentation material and patents. The company hired Schott’s key specialists for melting, treatment, processing and quality assurance. They also supported the information transfer and implementation of processes and equipment for initializing production at the facilities of j-plasma, a subsidiary of j-fiber. “The decision to invest in our own fused silica manufacturing processes not only allows us to complete our fiber value chain; it also guarantees that this critical raw material is available to us,” said Lothar Brehm, j-fiber’s managing director. Under the brand name SQ, j-fiber now offers fused silica with suitable optical properties and various quality grades for use in fiber optics, optics and laser technologies as well as technical applications, including lithography. For more information, visit: www.j-fiber.com