Research and development company Zephyr Photonics, recently acquired by Torch Hill Investment Partners, a Washington-based private equity firm, is making the transition to becoming a commercial enterprise. Based in Zephyr Cove, Nev., Zephyr will use its patented vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser technology to deliver high-bandwidth, harsh-environment photonic solutions for national security applications. It plans to enable optical interconnect solutions that meet the requirements of military, aerospace and security applications, according to Tom Steding, its new CEO, recently appointed by Torch Hill.