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Thorlabs, BMC to Make Mirrors

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NEWTON, N.J., Sept. 18, 2007 -- Thorlabs Inc. a Newton, N.J.-based developer of laser and fiber optic systems, and Boston Micromachines Corp. (BMC) of Watertown, Mass., have announced a partnership to enable BMC, a provider of advanced MEMS (microelectromechanical systems)-based mirror products, to bring its deformable mirrors to photonics research.

"This wide exposure will create diverse market opportunities and encourage the creation of new products incorporating adaptive optics technology," the companies said in a statement. They also announced that Alex Cable, president and founder of Thorlabs, has joined BMC's board of directors, has invested in the company, and will be an advisor to BMC.

Researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed an adaptive scanning optical microscope (ASOM) that uses BMC's technology and was licensed by Thorlabs earlier this year -- the first commercially available adaptive optics instrument. (See also: "Breaking Barriers' 2007 CLEO/QELS Theme")

The new partnership is "an evolutionary next step for the commercialization of adaptive optics technology," Cable said.

Paul Bierden, president of BMC, said, "This partnership is a signal to the industry that adaptive optics is now ready for prime time."

Adaptive optics, a relatively new technology, is typically used in astronomy to reduce atmospheric distortion. It also has applications in retinal imaging, microscopy and laser communications.

For more information, visit: www.thorlabs.com
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Published: September 2007
Glossary
astronomy
The scientific observation of celestial radiation that has reached the vicinity of Earth, and the interpretation of these observations to determine the characteristics of the extraterrestrial bodies and phenomena that have emitted the radiation.
microelectromechanical systems
Refers to micron-size complex machines that have physical dimensions suitable for the fabrication of optical switches for use in state-of-the-art communications networks.
photonics
The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...
astronomyBasic ScienceBiophotonicsBMCBoston MicromachinesCommunicationsdeformable mirrorsfiber opticsMEMSMEMS mirrorsmicroelectromechanical systemsMicroscopyNews & Featuresphotonicsphotonics researchThorlabsLasers

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