Photonic Products Ltd. of Hatfield Broad Oak, UK, a Sanyo laser diode distributor, has announced that, as a result of the recent merger between Sanyo and Panasonic, Sanyo will end production of its industrial red (635 to 670 nm) and IR (782 to 830 nm) laser diodes on Sept. 30, 2010. Sanyo will continue to make, and Photonic Products will continue to distribute, blue-violet (405 nm) laser diodes with up to 85 mW of optical output power for industrial and medical applications. To fully support its Sanyo diode customers, Photonic Products said it has negotiated an agreement with Sanyo to guarantee order coverage for up to two years, providing that final orders are placed by March 31, 2010. Photonic Products said it also will source and recommend suitable alternatives from other manufacturers that will provide equivalent performance and reliability at a comparable price. During the transition period, the company’s engineers will work with customers to evaluate and approve alternative laser diodes to prevent disruption to production schedules and minimize any inconvenience. For more information and advice, e-mail [email protected].