Tessera Technologies Inc. is considering spinning off its imaging and optics unit under new initiatives that include moving its microelectronics business beyond packaging, the company announced this week. Tessera Chairman and CEO Henry R. Nothhaft said the imaging and optics unit may grow more quickly as a stand-alone business, noting that “we have begun the work of exploring alternative means to that end.” Last month the company announced it had hired a new president to lead the business (See: Roohparvar to Lead Tessera Imaging Optics Unit). Tessera said it has also formed a new group, which comprises about 40 San Jose-based employees, to move its semiconductor technologies beyond packaging. The group will be responsible for an initial portfolio of approximately 280 patents and patent applications. The focus of the team will be on circuitry design, memory modules, 3-D architecture and advanced interconnect technologies, among other areas. For more information, visit: www.tessera.com