News Briefs (Jan. 4, 2006)

Thomas S. Hartwick, PhD, has joined the board of directors of laser manufacturer Aculight Corp. Hartwick has spent nearly 50 years in high-technology business management and R&D. His expertise includes lasers, electro-optics, electronic/microwave devices and satellite systems. Hartwick has served as a consultant for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), New Focus, Santa Barbara Infrared, Boeing and TRW, and on several corporate boards. He has held senior management positions within TRW, Hughes Aircraft and The Aerospace Corp. . . . American Science and Engineering Inc. (AS&E), a Billerica, Mass., maker of x-ray detection technology, announced a marketing and distribution partnership in China with Nuctech Co. Ltd. (Nuctech), a manufacturer of cargo x-ray inspection systems, for its Z Backscatter Van ZBV screening system. The system is designed to be built into commercial delivery vans, enabling operators to conduct x-ray imaging while driving past suspect vehicles and objects. A remote console is available for stationary operation from a distance of up to 500 meters (about 550 yards). Nuctech will resell and supply parts, training, warranty and service and support for the ZBV. It will also integrate a pre-assembled x-ray sub-system, the Backscatter Van (ZBV), into vehicle chassis for distribution to Chinese customers. AS&E said it has received the first order from Nuctech for a ZBV x-ray subsystem. . . . Applied Films Corp., of Longmont, Colo., has named Robert Elschner as senior vice president of its glass division and Chung Ping Lai as senior vice president of its display division. Elschner will be located primarily in California; Lai will be based Taiwan. These appointments are the result of organizational changes after the company's acquisition of Vacuum Coating Technologies Inc. (VACT), of Fairfield, Calif., in November. Elschner was formerly CEO of VACT. Chung Ping Lai was formerly president of Unaxis Taiwan Ltd. Applied Films makes thin-film deposition equipment for the flat panel display, architectural glass, solar cell, consumer, packaging and electronics industries. . . . Avago Technologies of San Jose, Calif., announced it has shipped its 500 millionth infrared transceiver since releasing its first IrDA (Infrared Data Association)-compliant transceiver for consumer applications in 1994. Avago was one of the founding members of the IrDA.