Photonics News: Week in Brief: 08/06/21

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Meta Materials, a developer of high-performance materials and nanocomposites for 5G communications, aerospace, automotive, and other sectors, will acquire Nanotech Security Corp. Nanotech, a developer of secure and visually memorable nano-optic security features that provide anticounterfeiting solutions, brings nanoprint lithography and nano-coating production equipment and capabilities to Meta Materials. The acquisition is worth $90.8 million CAD ($72.7 million). The Nanotech team, including management, will join the acquiring company. Nanotech President Troy Bullock will continue with Meta Materials in an advisory capacity.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England — Northumbria University has acquired a state-of-the-art fluorescence spectrometer, boosting its research capabilities. The device, developed and installed at Northumbria by HORIBA UK, will aid the university’s Fluotronix project, which is focused on the development of materials designed to make electronic devices more energy efficient. As part of the research, organic blue light-emitting materials or fluorophores, such as quinine found in tonic water, will be studied to find out whether the compound can be applied within electronic devices.

JENA, Germany — Resolve Biosciences and ZEISS are collaborating to advance spatial biology applications. The companies will work to optimize advanced microscopy and 3D imaging for subcellular spatial analysis. ZEISS microscopy technology is part of Resolve’s current molecular cartography service offering and will be incorporated into the anticipated commercial spatial transcriptomics system. ZEISS and Resolve Biosciences will combine optical technologies and engineering expertise with multi-analyte and multiplexed spatial analysis to illuminate molecular interactions at subcellular resolution while preserving the sample tissue, and to enhance the molecular cartography workflow through the development of optical systems and computational approaches.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — UTC Aerospace Systems entered into a memorandum of agreement with Ophir Corp. to develop and commercialize Ophir’s lidar-based air data system. The two companies aim to develop a new prototype, and they will collaborate toward the goal of commercial entry in as few as five years. Current pitot probe air data sensors monitor air pneumatically using pressurized air or gas. The Ophir system can measure the full range of air data parameters (temperature, velocity, angle of attack, angle of side slip, and altitude) in a manner that is fully dissimilar to traditional air data systems, the companies said.

MECHELEN, Belgium — Imec spinout company Spectricity raised €14 million ($16.6 million) in a Series B funding round to accelerate the development and mass production of hyperspectral sensors and imagers for high-volume, low-cost applications including wearables, smartphones, and IoT devices.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The OSA Industry Development Associates (OIDA) will launch a series titled “Ones to Watch,” which will profile early-stage photonics companies. The series features interviews with executives conducted by Europa Market Intelligence Limited (EMIL), and each case study focuses on the participating company’s key technologies, funding overview, market opportunities, product roadmap, and five-year market forecast. Four OIDA members are showcased in the first set of reports: Neurescence, NUBURU, QuiX, and Voyant Photonics.

NEWARK, N.J. — Epolin, a division of Chroma Color Corp. and a manufacturer of NIR-absorbing dyes and thermoplastic compounds, has acquired Adam Gates & Co., a manufacturer of near-infrared and laser-absorbing dyes designed to provide optimal absorption and transmission properties. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Epolin provides light management solutions across the UV, visible, and infrared spectra. It delivers dyes, dye blends, and compounded polymeric materials to customers for applications that include laser and welding eyewear, as well as digital displays and filters, augmented reality, autonomous driving, and night-vision products.