Daily News Briefs

Ion Optics Inc., of Waltham, Mass., and Innovative Micro Technology, of Santa Barbara, Calif., announced they are working together to bring Ion Optics' SensorChip products into production. SensorChip is a silicon micro-machined infrared gas sensor for use in medical devices, process monitoring and industrial safety applications and in residential and automotive sensors. Ion Optics makes optical-based microelectomechanical systems (MEMS) gas-detection sensors and wavelength tuned infrared emitters; it has developed a patented optical platform technology for controlling (tuning) the infrared emission and absorption wavelengths of a silicon surface using 2-D photonic crystals produced in semiconductor manufacturing. Innovative Micro Technology manufactures bulk and surface MEMS.. . .Osram Opto Semiconductors has announced the first application of its light-emitting diode (LED) technology in the head-up display (HUD) of the new BMW 5 series, to be introduced this spring. The display unit is a component of the driver information system Siemens VDO Automotive is supplying for the BMW 5. The amber-colored LED light source features a luminance of more than 500,000 cd/m2. Osram said the HUD lighting will appear to float over the car hood; drivers will easily see important data such as speed, warnings and navigation information. The effect is created by using four mirrors that project the image from the liquid crystal display onto the windshield. The head-up display also features an ambient light sensor enabling adjustments for all ambient lighting conditions.