Moves & Expansions

Growing business in the scientific research, fiber communications and optical metrology markets spurred Bristol Instruments to move its headquarters to a 5000-sq-ft facility in Victor, N.Y., in the spring. The move more than doubles the company’s manufacturing space, and the larger laboratory will help accelerate new product development. Photo courtesy of Bristol Instruments.

Optical systems manufacturer CVI Laser Optics of Albuquerque, N.M., has been named sole distributor of Semrock and Advanced Thin Films’ ultralow-loss PulseLine laser optics, specifically designed for femtosecond lasers and associated applications. The full range of products, available in standard or customized options, includes prisms, mirrors, beamsplitters, polarizing optics and antireflection-coated windows. The products are suited for laboratory setups, commercial instruments and high-energy laser facilities developing next-generation energy sources.

Optical components maker LightPath Technologies Inc. of Orlando, Fla., will build 12 new molding stations for its China operations in response to accelerating market demand for its molded aspheric lenses. The investment is expected to increase the company’s capacity and production capability by more than 45 percent. Aspheric lenses for laser tools, telecommunications, digital projectors, industrial equipment and medical instruments – and the increasing use of green laser diodes – have created the demand in North America and Asia, LightPath said. The company expects the demand increase will phase in over the next three quarters and will result in an increase in annualized revenues of more than 15 percent.

Spectrometer maker Avantes has expanded the machine shop at its headquarters in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, to allow for faster prototyping, more special products and easier upgrades. “In spectroscopy, one size doesn’t fit all,” Avantes founder and CEO Benno Oderkerk said of the expansion. “Many of our customers have very specific requests for their spectrometer, but just as much for their fiber optic cables.” Avantes also develops and makes light sources, software, fiber optic cables and accessories for OEM applications as well as for science and industry.

Photo courtesy of Avantes.