Thorlabs Acquires Laser Line, Expands

In Newton, N.J., !%Thorlabs Inc.%! has acquired the Octavius line of ultrafast lasers and ultrafast pulse characterization products from idesta Quantum Electronics (IQE). The transaction is expected to strengthen Thorlabs’ portfolio with lasers and diagnostic tools for the imaging and photonics industries, and to allow IQE to focus on other technology. The Octavius devices are suitable for photonics and biological applications. IQE’s two-dimensional scanning interferometer, developed in collaboration with MIT, also is being transferred to Thorlabs.

In other news, Thorlabs has completed its new three-story, 120,000-sq-ft facility in Newton, which will act as the central hub for the company’s sales, service, R&D and manufacturing operations. Subsequent construction phases are planned for the next seven to 10 years and will ultimately expand the company’s space to approximately 300,000 sq ft. The privately held company has experienced double-digit growth since its founding in 1989.